HOW TO GET THE BEST START TO A GREAT GARDENING YEAR

veggie garden

There really is a reason why I am bringing this up so early in the year.   Yes in some places the snow hasn't completely melted and that is the case where I live too.   But, it never hurts to be prepared.  You want to decided what to plant now, so you know what to start indoors and what you can plant directly in the garden when the last danger of frost has past.    Let me tell you a story about my utter failure with soybeans.   I decided to grown soybeans last year since we all love them and well.....Have you seen the price of those things?   Since it was a bean and most peas and beans can be sowed directly in the garden after last danger of frost has past, that is what I did.   Well the turn out was like this, because of the long maturation period, by the time the soybeans were ready to produce it was so hot in our state that the plants all but shriveled up and blew away.   Lesson learned: start in house 2 months before all danger of frost has past, that way they can be safely transplanted and the temp will still be cool enough for a good crop.   Now, you can actually do this for a second crop by starting a new batch 6 weeks before fall typically hits your area and transplant when temps have begun to drop, this way you can have a fall batch.

This also works for all peas, beans and salads.   Really any veggies that grow best in cooler temps can be done in 2 crops (two is better than one).   Remember peas,beans and the like can be frozen and you'll have some for the whole winter.

Enjoy!

Jacqui Allen