Vegtable Garden Fun

Now that March is upon us it is time to start thinking about our outside gardens. The first garden that will be prepared is my vegetable garden. I miss the fresh produce that I retrieve from my backyard garden. I typically grow cucumbers, peppers, zucchini and my favorite tomatoes.

Well first, we need to decide do we start our plants from seed or buy our seedlings from a local distributor. Seeds can be started in plastic trays or peat pots approximately 3-4 inches deep. I like to use Miracle Grow Potting Mix because it has the right consistency and already contains fertilizer. Next, fill the containers with soil and once filled make a depression in the center of the container approximately ¼ inch deep. Place 2-3 seeds in the depression and cover with potting mix gently water and cover with a clear plastic wrap and keep warm until they germinate. Once the seedlings emerge remove the plastic wrap and place them in full sunlight or directly under fluorescent lights. To prepare the seedlings for their trip to the garden and reduce shock. Place the seedlings in a shaded protected area to help acclimate them to the outside climate, making sure that they are returned inside either at night.

Next the first step is the in the garden is the soil preparation. The soil should not be prepared if it is too wet or too dry. An example would be if you pick up some of the soil in your hand and are able to make a ball that does not crumble it is still not the right time to turn the soil over either by hand or with a rototiller. Make sure the soil drains well and is free of rocks and debris. Rake the area to be planted.

Routine soil testing can help with difficult soils. For information on soil testing, you can contact Pennsylvania Agricultural Analytical Services at 814-863-0841.

Be sure to check the frost free date in your area.

Now the fun begins! Choose the layout of your garden making sure that the plants will receive the best sunlight. Make sure to place your plants 12 inches apart in the row. Some plants like tomatoes will need to be staked, these plants will require additional space.

Now to transplant either your homegrown or purchased plants. Make sure to transplant in late afternoon or on a cool, cloudy day to prevent the leaves from being scorched. Using a small trowel or shovel, make a hole large enough to place the new plant with the soil intact. Once the plant is put in place firm the soil around the roots and stem of the plant and then gently water the seedlings.
While the weather becomes warmer and the days grow longer we still need to continue to care for our gardens. Make sure to water on a regular basis during periods without rainfall and once the plants produce fruit additional watering will help the fruit to flourish. Keeping the garden free from weeds is an important task. One way to help accomplish this is to mulch between the rows of plants, this will also help to keep the ground moist.

Finally, what we have all waited patiently to harvest our crop and enjoy the fruits of our labor.

African Violet's

African violet’s are one of my favorites, they are delicate and beautiful. If you are new to African violet’s you can purchase one at a local store but keep these tips in mind.

1. Make sure the leaves are green and healthy.
2. Look for one with some buds that have not opened.

Once you return home with your new prize, make sure to put it into a new pot. I actually prefer plastic pots with separate saucers.

Or

If you have a friend that has a collection you can always get a leaf or two from them and start you own collection. Here’s how.

You will need the following supplies to start your new project, a glass jar, wax paper and string or rubberband.

Use a knife to cut a leaf from the existing plant, make sure to cut the leaf from the bottom of the plant and that it looks healthy and green.

Take a piece of wax paper and cover the top of the jar and bring it down over the sides. Take a piece of string or rubber band to secure the wax paper on the jar in place.

Make two holes in the waxed paper, one large enough for a leaf stem the second hole three to four times that size. Place the leaf in the smaller hole.

Use the larger hole to put the room temperature water in the jar. Fill the a little more than ¾ full.

Place your cuttings in or next to a window which gets sun from the east or north. If a window is not available you can always use a grow light with an automatic time to simulate the sun cycle.


Remember: if your plant doesn't flower, it's not getting enough light. If the leaves start to get brown edges or brown spots on them, it's getting too much light.

The Perfect Lawn

Lawn care can be an obsession with some and an art for others. It is also an escape from work and other concerns. Something that most of us don't realize is that it also an investment that can garner a higher selling price.

With all of the new home that are popping up in the Montgomery County Area and with so many inexperienced first time home owners lawn care is a new trial and error learning experience. So we can start with the fundamentals of lawn care and gardening (weeding, feeding, seeding, watering, etc).

Lets start out with feeding your new investment. One of the products that I use is the Scotts® Turf Builder® Systems which help the beginner work your way to a thicker, greener healthy lawn.

One of the tips that my father has used when cutting his lawn is to Mow the Grass Tall. Set the mower on one of the higher settings. This helps to promote deeper root growth.

The biggest hurdles that most homeowners will face are the pesky weeds and insects that choke and destroy the root systems that we are so feverishly trying to maintain.

Some additional areas to investigate are:

• Aeration and Dethatching
• Edging and Trimming

Decide what Tools you need for your Garden

What tools do gardeners really need, it is difficult for someone that is just beginning to Play in the Dirt. Tools are a long term investment and can be very expensive so I’ve compiled a list to start the new gardener. Garden tools need to be chosen with comfort, price as well as their functionality.

If you are working outside with your Lawn these are a few possibilites:

Lawnmower
Edger (for the perfect edge along driveways or sidewalks)
Leaf rake for leaves

Shovel
Trowel
Garden rake or Hoe for planting (vegtables or leveling dirt or mulch)

Hand shears for pruning (trees and shrubs)

Watering Hose with a spray nozzle or a watering can

You may also need containers to move things around some possibilities area garden cart or wheelbarrow, buckets, garbage cans.

Gardens

Playing in the dirt can be fun and relaxing. Gardens are an important part of our homes they can show our individuality as well as our creativity and how we interact with nature.

We can create our own works of art which will grow and change, they can be inside our homes or in the backyard.