It's Time to Start Planning!

Have you been missing your fresh, local produce?  Is your mouth watering at the thought of this year's bounty?  The days are officially getting longer and the earth is getting ready to bloom into yet another spring which means it's almost time to play in the dirt.  Until then, planning your garden can provide some satisfaction as well as inspiration until you can get back into the dirt.

Details that deserve attention are site location, plant selection, soil amendments, and seed starting.  In terms of site location consider the amount of sun in that location and drainage.  Those who joined us at Back to Basics may have noticed specific germination and growing instructions enclosed in the herb starting gift bag. This information can also be found in seed catalogs or on the seed suppliers website.  Whenever possible, choose varieties that are short day.  Although most produce can be grown as an annual in our zone some longer day varieties may not have enough time to complete their growing process.  Adding a new vegetable or variety can also create a fun new challenge and reason to try new recipes.

These chilly evenings are perfect for reading up on composting and other soil amendment options. Compost is the best gift you can give your soil, your plants, and ultimately yourself. If space for a compost pile is an issue there is a barrel turning system that is quite efficient and not terribly spendy to purchase or build.  Check with your local greenhouse, garden clubs, or community garden regarding compost exchange programs.  Companion planting is another worthwhile consideration. Many plants benefit from inter-planting your crops with herbs or being planted near one another.

An example would be planting beans (nitrogen fixers) with corn (nitrogen pigs). Yarrow, planted among herbs grown for essential oil encourages a higher yield. Check out a companion planting guide for more interesting planting ideas.

Happy planning and think spring!

 

Join us for a week of Eco Fun!
2012 Eco Camp dates have been set:

June 18-22: Grades 3-4
July 9-13: Grades 5-6
July 23-27: Grades 7-8
August 6-10: Pre-K (Ages 4-5)