Sunday, March 18, 2012

Don't Put Your Seeds In Too Early



It's the second week of March and we Nutmeggers have been enjoying 70 degree weather. After a mild winter, this is like heaven! I have cleaned out my garden, turned the soil, cleaned out several beds, pruned the raspberry bushes, pruned the grape arbor, the list goes on. This is the earliest I have ever gotten these things done.

But there is one thing I will not do for another month.  Plant.

As nice as it is, as beautiful and pleasant, I will not put plants in the ground yet and I would advice you to do the same.

The Farmer's Almanac, the weather and planting resource I consult on a regular basis, lays out the best days for starting seeds and making transplants into your garden space.

In Connecticut, our last frost date is April 26. So, fellow gardening friends, we still have a long way to go.

So, what can you do in the meantime? Here's a list of projects you can accomplish before you start your vegetables.
- Clean out the beds
- Nourish your soil with manure/compost
- Turn the soil
- Weed out stubborn shrubs, weeds, grass
- Re-Edge your beds
- Trim back raspberries, grapes
- Put in supports for vine plants
- Clean up the fence around your garden
- Start a new bed
- Clean up the borders of you property
Good luck and remember, bide your time!
-Jen

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Getting Dirt Under My Nails


Every year about this time, I paint my fingernails purple.
Yes, purple.
Why you might ask?
Because I am getting dirt under my nails.


I am clearing out the garden and cleaning things up to prepare for a new growing season and like a lot of you, it's starting EARLY this year (yay).  So far I have cleaned out 2 raised beds, 4 flower beds, and turned the soil. Boy is it good to see that dark chocolate colored soil.  And because it is early, it's cold under there. But, there are worms (and a few grubs :( too).

This week has been unseasonably warm.  65-70 degrees every day (and it's the second week on March!  Technically still WINTER).  What a blessing from God!

I am experiencing some fear and nervousness this year too as I have not been happy with my yield.  In fact, last year many things went bust. Cauliflower, broccoli, butternut squash and sweet potatoes to name a few.
But as if true with any gardener, I am trying again!  There is always a new year, right?

Today I had my hands in the soil, pulling out weeds which had taken root, inspecting bright red rhubarb shoots. Today I got dirt under my nails.  

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Beginnings- Five Pieces of Advice For New Gardeners


I love beginnings.  Starting afresh. There is something very spiritual and exciting about spring.

I went out to my garden today and I wondered how many of us are starting to plan for the growing season now?  How many for the first time?

Some advice is always prudent, and despite the fact that you didn't ask, I wanted to offer some! ;0  I offer this advice as someone who has gardened in many different locations, with different challenges and who has made different mistakes a long the way.  So, believe me, I've been there!  Here are some bits I have picked up along the way, I hope they help!

 1. Start small.  Only choose a handful of items to start with.  Even consider container gardening.  Don't go into this thinking you aren't going to have to buy any vegetables this summer.  Aim for a few key veggies.  Good ones to start with are peas, beans, potatoes and sunflowers.
2. If you want the purest form of veggie, buy heirloom or organic.  Most common seed packets are hybridized, non organic and possible even already have pesticides on them.
3. Test your soil.  Give it nutrients before you plant.  Compost, manure, peat moss and fertilizer are all good ideas.
4. Make sure you are putting your garden in a well drained area.  Sopping wet seeds don't grow.
5. Keep the garden site away from the edge of a tree line.  Being near to woods attracts little friends that will eat up your hard work.