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  • From: "Tradingpost" <tradingpost@lobo.net>
  • To: livingontheland@lists.ibiblio.org
  • Subject: [Livingontheland] Some things to think about if you’re planning to garden
  • Date: Sat, 21 Mar 2009 17:26:27 -0700


Some things to think about if you’re planning to garden
http://www.theprairiestar.com/articles/2009/03/20/ag_news/columnists/marie.t

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By MARIE HOYER, Columnist
Wednesday, March 11, 2009 8:29 AM MDT



Now is the time we can really think spring is either here or very close.
Garden catalogs have been coming since December and seed racks are in the
stores. Those of us who garden have sent in orders and have lists for the
greenhouses and garden centers ready to fill. Seeds may have been started
indoors and hopefully they do not get leggy before being set out. But
unless one is in a warmer zone than our gardening zone 4, we must have
patience until warm weather is actually here.

As this is mainly a rural magazine, many farm families have been gardening
for many years. However, with so many women now working in town, perhaps
the garden has gone by the wayside. At the last Master Gardener meeting I
attended, the Extension agent reported he has already begun receiving calls
from people who would like to have a garden because of the economy. If you
have never had a garden, there are a few things to point out so you will
really think this through and have an enjoyable experience.

Some questions to answer are: Do you have space for a garden and how large
of one are you thinking about? Be realistic about the time you want to
devote to it. If you do not have a garden space in your yard, perhaps
growing some things in containers would be appealing. Vegetables may also
be incorporated in your existing flowerbeds.

Is there a water source available? How will you prepare the ground for your
garden? Grass needs to be torn up and removed, but if you just go in with a
garden rototiller, grass roots will still regrow.


You will need a hoe and a rake plus a few other tools. Also, if you are in
a deer area, they really enjoy a leafy green garden. Soil tests are also
advised.

It may be appealing to start plants from seeds, but one needs containers,
soil (not garden soil), and a place where the seedlings will receive
sunlight or grow lights will be available. They will need daily care and in
some cases, seedlings will need to be repotted.


For some plants such as tomatoes, cabbages, etc., it may be better to just
purchase a few plants. Seeds like carrots, beets, lettuce, etc., can be
directly planted in the garden. Also, check to see how long it will take
for the plant to mature and will grow in your zone. Some vineing plants
such as cucumbers and indeterminate tomatoes can be grown on a trellis.
Space takers such as corn, squash and potatoes need more room to grow than
others.

Many things can be grown in containers for one’s use. Also, food seeds
can be planted within the flowerbeds. Carrots, beets and onions look nice
as a border plant. Tomatoes can be put in with the flowers. A few herbs can
be planted here and there.

Another thing to think about is how will you care for your garden? It will
have to be watered, weeded, then later harvested. Many people do not want
to can food any more, but foodstuffs can be dried or frozen.

This is not to discourage you from planting a garden, but to give you an
idea what you will be getting into. If you plan to vacation in July or
August, there may be vegetables to pick and things to be done with the
produce.

Gardening can bring much satisfaction. To find out more about gardening
techniques contact a garden club member, a Master Gardener, or your county
extension agent. There are many publications available through them, plus
try magazines, the library and Internet.

The recipes below are not chemical sprays, and may help keep animals and
insects out of your garden.

Something to think about: “If we had no winter, the spring would not be
so pleasant; if we did not sometimes taste adversity, prosperity would not
be so welcome.” Anne Bradstreet.

GARLIC/PEPPER SPRAY No. 1

1 clove garlic

1 small onion

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 quart water

1 Tablespoon liquid dish soap*

Process in a blender. Place in a pan and bring to a boil.

Cool, strain, and put into a spray bottle.

*Add liquid dish soap last. It helps the product adhere to plants.

GARLIC/PEPPER SPRAY No. 2

2 Tablespoons hot pepper sauce

1 Tablespoon liquid soap

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 gallon water

Mix well, strain. Put into a spray bottle. Spray plants.

Repeat after rain.

GARLIC/PEPPER SPRAY No. 3

5 garlic cloves

1 onion

3 red hot chili peppers

1/4 cup dishwashing soap

Mix garlic, onion and peppers in blender. Let sit overnight. Strain.

Add dishwashing soap. Put into spray bottle. Spray plants.

EGG/HOT SAUCE

In a 3-quart jar mix:

3 raw eggs

1/2 bottle hot sauce

Fill container 3/4 full of water. Shake and cap. Let ferment 5 days before
spraying around perimeter of garden.










  • [Livingontheland] Some things to think about if you’re planning to garden, Tradingpost, 03/21/2009

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