TIPS FROM CHRISSY FOR SPRING

finally time to start thinking about planting a garden. Growing vegetables and herbs at home is a money saver and it also gives you a better tasting product. This type of project can be a lesson for the children in your life but it can also be a way to get to know your neighbors. A fruitful garden grows enough of produce to allow you to share with neighbors and family. Also, if you are looking for a healthy way to spend some time, getting outside in the fresh air and sun is a perfect way.


The first step is picking a location. This step can either make or break your project. Choose a location that gets a full day off sun. Next, examine your soil. The perfect soil is what is called “sandy loom.” To make sure you have sandy loom, take a handful of soil and squeeze it in your hand. You are looking to see that it crumbles when you let it go. If your soil is too dry add compost soil and to wet give the space time to dry out and make sure you till the soil and that there is ample draining. The smaller the garden space the easier to manage. For example, a well cared for 10x10 foot garden will produce more vegetables than a weed filled or diseased ridden 25x50 foot space.


Container gardens are a great way to have garden without a big yard. Produce that grows well in containers are tomatoes, basil, parsley, rosemary and oregano. Make sure your containers have drainage holes at the bottom to ensure proper soil.


Now the fun part, planting time. The later you plant the better to ensure you do not expose your new plants to frost. When it comes to choosing seeds refrain from penny pinching. Look for buying brand name seed or catalogue seed. The 10 seed packets for a dollar are not worth you hard work. Easy to grow crops include, onion, peas, beets, zucchini and squash.


Never forget to fertilize (using homemade compost or the store bought organic kind) and treat your garden to ward off any insects. Enjoy the weeding and pick only when your produce is ripe. Let me know how it is going at Chrissyc1@cox.net