Garden Plot

The spring has come and before you know it, the long hazy lazy days of summer will be here. But summer also means you will begin to harvest amazing fresh vegetables and fruit just a few steps away in your own back yard. That is of course, if you have managed to get your garden plot tilled and planted already.

The good news is if you are a little late getting started, there is still time to get it done. You can still visit your local garden center to pick up seedlings to get into the ground. This month’s Garden Plot will focus on how to take care of those seedlings and help you join the rest of us. So, be sure to take note.

  1. If you have not already, test the soil in the area where you will be planting. Be sure that it is an area that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight each day to make sure your vegetables can grow.
  2. If you do not own a garden tiller, you can rent one for a very economical price at your local garden rental center or at a center that specializes in yard rentals.
  3. Till the area well to loosen up the soil. If required, add organic garden soil and till into the existing soil. The idea is to create not only a good base, but you will need to make sure that the soil is loose to allow your vegetables to grow freely.
  4. Plant seedlings, making sure to leave enough space between each. Keep in mind vegetables that “vine” such as squash and melons will need extra space in between each. Things like peppers or cabbage, that typically do not vine, can be planted closer together.
  5. For natural fertilizer and insect control, dust wood ashes from your fireplace around each seedling. Do not use the ashes if they are from wood that has been treated which is usually the case with wood that has been purchased in bundles that you typically find in the grocery store. This type of wood will leave a chemical residue and you don’t want to put that around food.

    Other natural insect repellents include strong herbs such as oregano. Plant this near other vegetables in pots or in the ground to help ward off pests. Pots will work better as the herbs will be contained in the pot and not free to spread into the areas where you don’t want them.
  6. Water often. The best watering system is a fine mist system that will keep the soil moist without washing away good nutrients. In other words, soaking the ground too much is not a good thing. To create an easy irrigation system, attach a water hose to your existing hose system and punch small holes throughout in the extension ONLY. Snake this throughout your garden. On the end of the hose screw on an attachment that can be shut off. The water will build up in the hose and water the garden while you are off doing other things.
  7. As plants grow, using a sharp hoe, loosen the soil around the plants being very careful not to hoe too close. Bring the soil up around the vegetables, slightly to create little hills. Your vegetables will love you for doing this.

Until, next month, happy gardening!