With spring just around the corner will start the beginnig the growing season. Below I will list some gardening tips to keep in mind and get you started. I realize that every one doesn't have a green thumb.
First, do you have a Hotbed, Cold Frame, or both. What is the difference? A hotbed is a clold frame with heat. If you plan on growing vegetables starting early from seed, it's a good idea to have both. Germinating seeds will begin in hotbed, and then transfered to cold frame for hardening to plant in your garden.
So what is a hotbed and where do I get one. You can purchase them, which will cost you, or you could Learn to make your own which will save you money.
I would like to take a minute and discuss soil preparation. This is by far the most important subject in yeilding good crops. I prepare my soil in November, after my growing season comes to an end. This give it all winter long to reap the benefits of the added nutriants which I applied. I still do a soil test in early spring and tweek as soon as the soil can be worked.
If your soil was not prepared last fall, all is not lost. Preparing in early spring is not as good, but you will yeild better results then it not being done at all.
So when is the right time to prepare my soil in early spring to reap the best benefits, and how do you do it ?
First we will start with when soil is ready. There is a simple test you can do to determine this. If soil remains in a moist ball after you squeeze it, its to wet to work with. Working with wet soil compacts and can ruin its structure. If it crumbles like a piece of chocolate cake, its ready. At this point you will need to test the Ph level of the soil. Any local nursery will assist you with your soil testing needs can provide kit to you for $2 to $3. Follow directions on the package and test the soil. A good Ph level for vegetables should be 6.8 . Generally levels will run 5.5 to 6.0. In this case you need to add ground limestone (5 pounds per 100 square feet), 2 inches of fresh cow or horse manure, a fair amount of peat moss. Till in the soil to a 8 to 10 inch depth. Check again in a couple days, and adjust with more lime if needed. Now your soil is ready to plant. You will want to add fertilizer at time of planting so plants can utilize their benefits as much as possible.
