Spring....

"Rise and put on your foliage, and be seen

To come forth, like the springtime fresh and green."

"Slowly time shifts, the earth revolves and snow melts. Spring is coming and with it the planting season, earth deep brown, waiting to be enriched with manure and tended by loving hands pulling from it the weeds and rocks. Tilled ridges lift thirsty faces to the sky waiting to be fed by seeds and water."

Whether you are concerned with the rising food prices, looking to eat things grown in your own ground or just love to garden now is the time to start thinking about it. Our winters stretch out for what seems like years, but in a split second your garden plot will spring into life and weeds two feet tall will close in and bunker down.

At least that is what happened in our garden last year, but this spring I have an idea that might prevent this scenario. I'm going to stretch out lumber wrap, and place rocks on it (after the two feet of snow are gone) to prevent them weeds from getting a head start. I'll pull it off right before planting commences. We shall see if this helps, I hope it does, as last spring many a bitter word was spoken by my sister and I as we slaved in the sun pulling weeds.

Also, if you are going to leave your ground to rest for the year, it is a good idea to plant a cover crop to keep the weeds in check and provide green manure. They also help retain the soil, lessen erosion, and decrease the impact pf precipitation on the garden by slowing the runoff of water. Some of the traditional cover crops are rye, hairy vetch, buckwheat, millet, mustard and sweet clover. It does depend some on whether you are planting in the spring or winter, so do a little research to discover the cover crop that will give you the most benefit. After the cover crop is grown, you need to cut it back (before it goes to seed) and till in the left over green bits. This will put nutrients back into the soil.

However IF you are going to use the ground this season, there are some simple things that will help enrich your soil. First take a soil test (we sell kits that can help you with this or you can take dirt sample to your local extension office) to check the pH levels. Now, most food crops prefer a neutral (pH 7) or slightly acidic soil (between pH 3.o or 5.0) however some (potatoes and strawberries) prefer a more acidic, or alkaline soil.

Once you know where your pH levels stand you will be able to make changes to it if need be, it would be best to read up on it as there are different ways to adjust the levels. Hydrated lime, manure, wood ash, sulfur and compost are all options in this area. It is best to start this process in early spring or the fall.

Also if you only have a small plot of land, a raised bed, or window boxes you can still grow food. I'm going to link a couple of articles from Sunset magazine that are very interesting and helpful for this style of gardening.

Please stop in and check out our potting soils, manures and seed starters. Also we have seeds, trays, pots and everything you need to begin the gardening season. Happy Gardening to you and may your crop be HUGE!