I know the snow hasn’t disappeared yet, but I’m an optimist, and so I like remembering that every day is bringing us closer to spring. Are you ready for the spring rains and summer nights? I know I am.
When we reach the end of winter and I am excited about welcoming spring, I start to think about all the beautiful flowers which will be coming up in the flower beds and the fresh produce we’ll have all over the county in just a few short months.
Are you itching to get out there and start your garden? I, for one, am looking forward to the warm weather and can’t wait to get started! Here are a few ways to make your garden a huge success this year.
1. Take Advantage of Avalon Gardens’ Custom Container Planting!
I have never heard of a service like this before, but it is a great way to get started right this year. Avalon Gardens will let you bring your pots and containers and they will keep them warm for you until springtime! No need to worry about the frost; just bring them over to Mary and tell her that Geauga News sent you! This way you can get started early and not have to worry about losing your early plants to unexpected weather.
2. Plan Ahead
Planning is the first step in successfully accomplishing any goal. Right now, when you can’t get out and actually cultivate the soil, you can write out your plan, buy your seeds, and do all the preparations you need to be ready for spring.
If you’re planning a vegetable garden, here are some things to consider:
Do you have enough sun exposure?
Vegetables love the sun. They need at least six hours of full sun every day and preferably eight.
Know your soil.
Most soil can be enriched with compost and be fine for planting, but some soil needs more help. Vegetables must have good, loamy, well-drained soil. Check with your local nursery or local cooperative extension office about free soil test kits so that you can assess your soil type.
Placement is everything.
Avoid planting too near a tree which will steal nutrients and shade the garden.
A garden close to the house will help to discourage wild animals from nibbling away your potential harvest.
Decide between tilling and a raised bed.
If you have poor soil or a bad back, a raised bed built with non-pressure-treated wood offers many benefits. If you want to learn more about this, our author Ty recommends you read this book: All New Square Foot Garden by Mel Bartholomew.
And don’t forget about your water source! Vegetables need lots of water, at least one inch of water per week. Of course, we all know what too much water can do too! Planting in low areas is probably not the best idea in Northeat Ohio.
You’ll need some basic planting tools.
These are the essentials:
- Spade
- Garden fork
- Soaking hose
- Hoe
- Hand weeder
- Wheelbarrow (or bucket) for moving around mulch or soil.
It’s worth paying a bit extra for quality tools!
Study those seed catalogs and order early.
Check your frost dates. Find first and last frost dates in your area and be alert to your local conditions. Remember, you can always take your potted plants to Avalon Gardens!
3. Focus On Something You Can Accomplish!
Always Remember: It’s better to be proud of a small garden than to be frustrated by a big one!
One of the common errors for beginners is planting too much too soon and way more than anybody could eat or want. Unless you want to have zucchini taking up residence in your attic, plan carefully. Start small.
4. Include Your Family
Working outside in the garden is a great way to spend time with friends and loved ones. I have a lot of wonderful memories as a child when I was out weeding flower beds with my grandmother, or helping my grandpa tend to his tomato patches. There is a therapeutic aspect to gardening you can’t replace. So, if you’re looking for a way to tend to the relationships that matter in your garden of life, this is a great way to do just that.
What Do You Think?
Do you enjoy gardening? Do you have any other tips for our readers? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
