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.