Monthly Gardening Tips

Many gardeners are just starting out and have no idea what to do at what time of the year. There are so many recommendations as to when to start your garden. Here are some recommendations from a veteran gardener that should help you get started.

Since the climate and temperature will be different in different areas of the globe, this schedule of tasks will be done with regards to your recommended planting time. Check with your nearest gardening store or consult an almanac to find out when your local planting time occurs during the year.

Starting with three months before your local recommended time, gardeners should be planning and gathering supplies. Find a place to put your garden. Make sure it gets enough sunlight so your vegetables will grow. It should also be close to a water source or easily reached with a garden hose. The size and shape of your garden needs to be decided at this time, as well. And, if you are going to order seeds from catalogs, you should do so during this month.

Two months before your local planting time you should start a compost heap somewhere close to the chosen garden spot. Be sure to stir and mix it every couple of days. If you plan to start seedlings inside, the soil mix should be prepared, as well as the seeds. Some seeds need to be soaked, striated, scarified, or other types of preparation before planting. When this is done, plant seeds in the prepared mix.

During the last month before the local recommended planting time the space chosen for your garden should be prepared for planting. This will include removing any grass or weeds that are growing in the area. The soil will also need to be tilled several times to get it loose enough for planting. It is also a good idea to plan where you will be planting each type of vegetable or herb.

During the month that is recommended for planting in your area you should start thinning your seedlings in their containers. After this is completed you can begin climatizing them. This is done by setting them outside in a protected area such as a covered porch or car port. Special care should also be paid to your compost heap. It will still need stirring every few days and more material added to it.

The first month after your local planting time is a busy one. Your seedlings should be climatized and ready for planting. They should be planted along with any mature plants you have purchased from garden centers. This is also the time to deal with any animal garden pests. These could include rabbits, dogs, deer, or any number of animals that will eat or dig up your newly planted garden. They should be dealt with before any damage is done.

During the second month after the local planting time you should fertilize and mulch your garden. Be sure to pull any weeds that may be growing. You do not want the nutrients to be used by weeds instead of your vegetables and herbs. You can put these weeds in your compost pile. The nutrients they used will be useful as fertilizer. This is also the time to check for insects and fungi that may be growing on your plants. Any infestations that are found should be taken care of immediately.

It is time to begin harvesting your vegetables and herbs during the third month after your local planting time. Any produce from your garden that you are unable to use should be stored for later use. Many types of vegetables can be dried or canned. Herbs can also be dried and used at a later date.

During the fourth and fifth month after planting time you should be getting your garden ready for the winter months. This is usually during the autumn months. Get rid of any non-producing vegetable or herb plants. When there are no more plants that are producing it is time to plow your garden again and leave it for next year.

The rest of the year, during the months that are six, seven and eight months after planting, is the time to enjoy your harvest. During this time, you will be using the vegetables and herbs that you stored after harvesting. This is also the time to do some preliminary planning for next year's garden. Use what you have learned this year and apply it to your new garden.

Gardening can be a wonderful hobby. You will be able to supply your family with fresh and healthy vegetables. Hopefully, these tips will help you have a productive home garden.