Happy May, Geauga! Spring weather is rolling in and we have tons of fun things for you to do. Check out all the nature programs at Observatory Park, Headwaters Park and other parks in our area. Go out for live swing music and dancing in Chagrin Falls on Friday, then attend the Contra dance in Burton on Saturday. What better way to celebrate Spring then with your own home garden? We’ve got the tips you need to make your gardening simple and fun. Keep reading for all this, and more, in this week’s edition of The Geauga News Weekly Roundup!
Events on Thursday, May 3rd, 2018
Events on Friday, May 4th, 2018
Events on Saturday, May 5th, 2018
– Maple PTO Carnival, 308 Maple Avenue, Chardon, OH — 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
– Troy Township Contra Dance, 13950 Main Market Road (Route 422) Burton, OH — 6:30 p.m.
Gardening Made Simple (Part One)
Gardening can seem daunting to a first-timer. But, knowing what to do is very simple. There are two types of gardening: vegetable and flower. Whether you are interested in supplementing your family’s dinner table with fresh vegetables or adding beauty to your landscape, this article will break down everything you need to know. We’ll teach you what to plant, when to do it,and how to garden. We also have useful gardening tips that will help every home garden.
What You Need To Know Before You Vegetable Garden
The first thing you need to decide is what type of vegetable you want to plant. There are two types: cool-weather vegetables and warm-weather vegetable. Each has their own planting time and soil temperature. You will need to ensure the frost-free dates and the temperature of your soil. You also need to make sure your soil is fertile. Decide whether you want to grow vertically or horizontally. Lastly, be sure to pick vegetables you know you and your family will consume.
Cool-weather Vegetables
Cool-weather vegetables can be planted in early spring or late summer. They require a consistent soil temperature of 40°C. The following cold-weather vegetables are resistant to frost and ideal for these soil temperatures:
- Turnips
- Collard greens
- Brussel sprouts
- Cabbage
- Rutabagas
- Mustard
- Kale
- Kohlrabi
- Garlic
- Onions
- Radicchio
- Spinach
- Turnips
- Radishes
- Swiss chard
- Rhubarb
- Peas
- Horseradish
- Asparagus
- Leek
The second group of vegetables can be planted in early spring when the soil is consistently 50°C. This list is smaller, but they are all excellent choices:
- Lettuce
- Chinese Cabbage
- Jerusalem Artichokes
- Arugula
- Carrots
- Beets
- Endive
- Cauliflower
- Potatoes
- Celeriac
- Broccoli
- Celery
Warm-weather Vegetables
Warm-weather vegetables can be planted around mid-Spring when your soil temperature is consistently 60°C. There are two groups of warm-weather vegetables, those that are very frost-susceptible and those that are less so. These vegetables are less susceptible:
- Artichokes
- Winter squash
- Okra
- Beans
- Wweet corn
- Spinach
- Peppers
- Tomatoes
- Pumpkins
The next group of vegetables are very susceptible to frost and need to have a soil temperature consistently at 70° C. These vegetables shouldn’t be planted until at least two to three weeks from the last frost. This smaller list includes:
- Cucumber
- Sweet potatoes
- Summer squash
- Eggplant
- Melons
Regardless of which warm weather-vegetables you choose, you can start by growing indoors. This method gives you space to grow more vegetables before the weather is where you need it to be. It also allows you to pick the strongest seedlings earlier than if you planted them outside.
Learn how to flower gardn and read the rest of our gardening tips after Wednesday’s events!
Events on Sunday, May 6th, 2018
– The Geauga Park District Annual Spring Bird Walk Series at Eldon Russell Park, 16315 Rapids Road, Burton, OH — 7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
– Beautiful Blooms Wildflower Walk at Headwaters Park — 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Events on Monday, May 7th, 2018
Events on Tuesday, May 8th, 2018
Events on Wednesday, May 9th, 2018
Gardening Made Simple (Part Two)
What You Need To Know Before You Flower Garden
Who doesn’t love flowers? Whether you want to spruce up your front yard or create a beautiful background, flower gardening can be easy or as complex as you wish. What type of flower garden are you looking to create? Annuals, perennials, climbing flowers or wildflowers are all excellent choices. Each type has different requirements and offers different experiences.
Types of Flowers
- Annuals are flowers that need to be replanted each year. Flowers that love the sun are marigolds, pansies, and zinnias. Annuals that require less sun are impatiens and begonias. Cosmos are an annual flower that can survive in less than perfect soil.
- Perennials are planted once and come back year after year. Crocuses, lilies, daffodils, columbines, tall Delphiniums, snowdrops, irises and lily-of-the-valleys are all superb varieties for your garden.
- Climbing Flowers can be a little more difficult to grow but well worth the effort. Climbing roses are beautiful, and once proven in your garden, they will last a long time. Clematises also make an excellent choice to complement your space. Be sure to provide adequate material for your climber to grow on
- Wild Flowers create a less structured but more vibrant visual. A potential drawback to wildflowers is they typically need approximately three years to mature and blossom. So, be patient if you choose to sow wildflowers.
Soil Treatment
Regardless of which type of garden you want, you need to consider your landscape and what works best for your needs. To increase the viability of your soil, you can use compost, organic fertilizer, manure or nutrient teas. Of these, the nutrient tea is the most complex method, organic fertilizer is the simplest, with manure and compost in between. To further increase your success as a gardener you need to choose a place that allows your vegetables and/or flowers to get at least six hours of sunlight.
Gardening: It’s What’s Good for You
No matter which type of garden you want to create, gardening can be beneficial. You will spend time in the outdoors and provide nourishment for your family. Nourishment can be either visually stimulating or stomach filling. Either way, gardening provides wonder and joy.
Do you keep a home garden? Will you try gardening this year? Write to drafts@geauganews.com and tell us about it!
Come Back Next Week for More Local Events in Northeast Ohio!
We hope you’ve enjoyed this week’s edition of The Geauga News Weekly Round Up! Be sure to check in next week for more local news and events in your area. Have a great weekend!
Have an event you want to see in next week’s edition? E-mail us your story: drafts@geauganews.com
