Spring Gardening Tips and Ideas

Before you plant your spring garden, it is important to plan out where you are going to put it, what kind of plants you are going to have and are you going to start by seeding indoors or with nursery grown plants.

Starting by seed is the most cost-effective way to go. However, be sure to read packages to ensure you are not getting a hybrid plant. Hybrid plants are good for one growing season; heirloom plants can be grown to seed and used over creating generational plants that are sturdy and healthy. These plants actually grow better than hybrid plants and do not need as much human intervention to grow and reproduce.

It is also important to read packages to learn how deep seeds should be planted, the spacing needed and how soon plants can be planted outdoors in your spring garden. The back of packages will also tell you how far in advance you should sow your seeds. Generally, I start 4-6 weeks before the last frost. You can find out when this is for your area by calling the extension office.

The day before you plan to sow the seeds in pots, allow them to soak overnight. This is especially true of beans and peas. Smaller seeds like tomato and carrot need only to soak a couple hours before planting.

During this time, it is also wise to have the pots ready and to soak the soil and allow draining over night.

Use containers that allow for proper seed depth as well as root growth. Place containers on a try of gravel to be use for watering. Never water seedlings from the top.

After the seed has been sown, sprinkling vermiculate or sand on top of the soil to help prevent any fungal diseases from forming. Also, it is suggested that you keep a fan on to ensure the circulation of air to keep plants disease free.

It is important to remember that starting seeds indoors takes more attention then purchasing nursery grown plants. Giving seeds sufficient light and water is vital for healthy plants.

Seedlings will need much more light (at least 14 hours daily) to keep them from becoming long and spindly. It is always best to use a combination of natural light along with fluorescent light. Fluorescent bulbs do not become over heated or over hot; which would destroy your seedlings.

To prepare plants for the spring garden, begin placing them outside for a few hours each day, increasing your time until they stay out of night. make sure the danger of frost has past first before starting this transition.

Leaf crops like spinach, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and lettuce. tomato, etc. can be started indoors in late February or early March. Cucumber, pumpkin and squash varieties can be started late March to early April.

Root crops like radish, potato, carrot, etc. should be planted directly into the spring garden as soon as the soil is warm enough. Late April to late May is generally a good time to plant root crop.

Gardening Tips:

* Weed your garden regularly

* Remove any yellowed or dried leaves from the plants

* The ideal time for watering is early morning before 9:00am, but after 6:00pm is okay

* Banana peels are rich in potassium. This is an important nutrient for your garden. Dry the peels, by laying them on a cookie sheet placed in the oven at 200 degrees. In early spring, when you are ready to plant, grind them in a food processor and use in your mulch to give new plants and seedlings a healthy start.

* Bone meal is an excellent source of nutrients for all the plants in all your gardens, vegetable and flower. You can make your own by drying your leftover chicken bones in the oven set at 350. Depending on the quantity, cook for 10 -15 minutes. Place in a sturdy paper bag and grind them up with a rolling pin or use a food processor. Distribute the powder around all your plants in your spring garden.

* Remember to save coffee grounds or tea leaves for the spring garden!. They are full of nutrients and very good for your garden. Let dry, then sprinkle around your plants.

* Save egg shells and crumble into your spring garden for calcium; which is very good for your vegetables. For tomatoes, place shells in ground before placing the plant to help with aeration and to promote healthier plants.

* You can fertilize your plants with Epsom salts. Mix it into your soil around the plant, not too close to burn the plant roots. For tomatoes, use 1 tablespoon for every foot of height, then water in well.

* Popsicle sticks make great labels for your plants. Write the name of the plant on them with permanent makers. Plastic picnic knives can be used for this as well.

* Save your old panty hose to use as plant ties or to pull over pumpkins and melons to keep pests away and from developing ground rot.

* Use toilet paper rolls cut in thirds, stand on end in tray, fill with soil, sow seed. When ready to be planted outside just place the entire thing in the ground. The roll will dissolve into the earth.

* Planting marigolds and zinnias around the outside border of your spring garden will help keep the bunnies away. It also makes for a pretty fence.

* The best tip.....gardening should be fun and relaxing, a way to get outside and enjoy the day. My Mother and Grandmother taught me to always say a prayer of protection and thanks with each seedling or plant you place in the ground.

HAPPY GARDENING!