Gardening: Prepping, planting, charts and more

This is a post from the vault:

It's time for my annual gardening post.   If one of your new year's resolutions is to eat from your own harvests then now is the time to get started with some prep work and planning.  Seeds, fertilizers, pre-emergents are filling shelves quickly.  Seed packs are $1 at Walmart.

Now's the time to be planting lettuces, cauliflower, cabbages, potatoes and some spinach.  Don't overdo a first time garden.  Think small and harvest the rewards.  Right now is the time to plant cool-season crops such as sweet potatoes, onions, cabbages and lettuces.  For you first-timers, pick out an area no larger than 20 feet by 20 feet.

Mix in a couple of bales of wheat straw to the soil to prevent weeds and maintain moisture. Bales at Lowe's are around $5 or less. ( also offer to rake someone's yard to get it for free)  The Saturday after Good Friday is typically the biggest day to start planting, according to Trucks.  That's the rule of thumb for spring time veggies and plants. 

What you're mainly waiting for in our region is the last frost.  Right now is the perfect time to start planting fruit trees and shrubs.  Want fruit this summer?  Time to get fruit trees and shrubs in the ground well at least by mid-February -- like blackberries, raspberries, fig trees, blueberries and peach trees.

Fruit trees will arrive in February.

What you can be doing right now: 
1. Pick out your garden spot. Make sure it's a sunny area, easy to get to and easy to water.

2. Make a list of your favorite veggies.

3. Check out this planting chart to see when to plant your favorites.

4. Work on your soil. Check to see if your potential garden spot is fertile soil or clay. You can add organic material such as manure or peat moss.

Not into big areas? Plan a container garden. Even if you're only planting a few tomatoes or peppers, think of how much money you'll save from your harvest.

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