Is anyone else just itching to get outside and do some gardening? Well, we can't do that quite yet (there's still a foot of snow in our backyard!), but this weekend we're planning on getting out the seed catalogs and figuring out exactly what we want to grow this summer. Care to join us? Here are some resources...
If you're starting seeds indoors, March is the time to get started. Seeds often need several weeks to sprout and get strong enough to put outdoors. The seed packet will usually give instructions for starting seeds and when they can be planted.
Here's some inspiration and how-to's from the Kitchn:
How to Start a Green Roof Garden
How to Start a Community Garden
How to Make a One-Pot Herb Garden
Planning a Window Box
Victory Garden Project
Our Small San Francisco Container Garden
Book Review: Designing the New Kitchen Garden
And a few more resources from around the web:
The Old Farmer's Almanac - Handy for predicting when the last frost in your area will be
The National Gardening Association - A good all-around resource for how-to's, pest control info, and buying guides.
Starting Seeds Indoors from Garden Guides
How to Construct a Raised Planting Bed from WikiHow
Vegetable Gardening in Containers from AgriLife/Texas A&M
What are your garden plans this year?
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I can't wait either!!
Another good source is the "You Grow Girl" site and book by Gayla Trail--especially for urban gardening. I think I learned about her from this site? Not sure, maybe yes maybe no...
Getting very anxious about it, especially since we had a pretty warm week. We still have to prep the area, soil, and work on the drip system because this will be our first garden so it's more than just planting the plants.
It warmed up early here in Texas, so I got a head start. I built the raised beds last month (I opted for cinder blocks over treated lumber), then added an organic garden soil and amended with some compost. I planted tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, serrano peppers, and assorted herbs on Monday. I opted to use a soaker hose instead of a drip system - I needed to get some sort of watering system in place ASAP, and I was worried drip would take more time (and money) than I had. Maybe I'll upgrade to drip next year.
So far, no frosts or freezes - I'm keeping my fingers crossed!
Well if that isn't my favorite seed catalog from rareseeds.com...
I would plan my garden today (it is going to be nice and mild in NY) but I am leaving for a trip soon so it will have to wait until I get back. I think I might put up some trellises for my vines instead.
I was just going to comment on the gorgeous catalog that is from none other than territorialseed.com
Okay, let's try that post again...
I was just going to comment on the gorgeous catalog that is from none other than rareseeds.com, but mariamercedes beat me to it! I was thumbing through it last night. Thanks for reminding me that it's almost time to start seeds, I always forget!
Another great resource is territorialseed.com.
Ohhh..gardening! I loooove gardening! I am lucky (I don't say this all the time, but in this instance I am lucky!) to live in the deep south. Hubby and I were lucky to be able to start our first garden today! Woohoo! Hubby is much more experienced at gardening than I am and has done this before. We got some early tomato plants in the ground today along with onions, romaine lettuce, cabbage, and spinach. (I use the old Farmers Almanac as to when to plant). About a month ago I started some herbs in pots that are doing well and some tommy toe tomatoes in a basket that are about 1 1/2". I am so excited and can't wait to pick my first tomato! I do have to get prepped up for canning and freezing though since hubby is going with a HUGE garden, but I am not complaining!
I did notice some blooms trying to come out on my really old pear tree....I love this pear tree, I can so much from it last year I have given away pear preserves, pear butter and pear sauce all winter and still have a ton left!
That is my favorite seed catalog too - and not just because it contains a photo of my grandmother singing in an old-timey costume! My aunt in Missouri has already started her seeds, so she sent me the rest that she didn't use... wonderful melon, pepper, squash and tomato seeds that hopefully won't mind the Vermont climate. This year I'm going all-out and purchasing grow lights for indoors, and setting up raised beds outdoors. I've done well with all containers in the past (Sungold tomatoes thrive in a pot, as do herbs and mesclun mix) but I'm so excited to have space for raspberries, asparagus and zucchini at last.
Tilled compost into the beds, seeds are on hand ready to plant, tomatoes/peppers/brocoli are sprouting in trays. Good times.
Thanks for the article, and also the links at the end. There are some great resources listed here. Does anyone know any good resources for knowledge on landscaping my garden?
Thanks for sharing this information! This looks like a great design plan. We just did some landscape design in richmond tx. Hopefully the summer doesn't ruin it all.