February Garden Chores

Here are a few things I have done this month in the garden or to prepare for the garden:

• Started a few flower seeds for transplanting
• Checked bulbs in storage for decay and discarded any that needed to be
• Prepared orders for mailing
• Ordered seeds
• Started broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage transplants
• Pruned fruit trees (pears)
• Pruned blackberries
• Checked stored seeds and discarded any old supply
• Removed dust from indoor plants by placing them in the shower under room temperature water
• Planted some basil starts that I was given at a garden show

Greenhouse Love

I was fortunate enough to buy a greenhouse a week ago.  It is used but it is mine!  I will be putting it back together soon and then the growing will begin.  I will post updates of the progress and the adventures of growing in a green house!  Here is a stock photo I found of the green house...the company is no longer around so hoping it all goes back together correctly!!!

January Garden Chores

Here is a list of the things I did in my garden this January.  Maybe you can do some of them too!

1. Perused seed catalogs and prepared my order.
2. Check my stored seeds for decay and for inventory on what I have.
3. Bought grow lights...I forgot these last year after I got my first little greenhouse for seeds.
4. Started vegetable transplants under those new grow lights.
5. Replaced mulch layers as needed.
6. Curled up with several good books and learned about gardening!
7. Washed the dust off my indoor plants...helps them to get more sunlight.
8. Watered my indoor pants with room temperature water...each and every tome!
9. Rotated my indoor plants to develop well rounded plants.
10. Repaired and cleaned my garden tools...even got a few new ones.
11. Kept my bird feeders and water supplies filled for feathered friends!

10 Fall Garden Tasks

1. Compost disease-free or frost-killed annual plant material, or work it into the garden soil to decompose before spring. 
2. Weed. Weeding helps keep them at bay and not getting a strong hold in the garden.
3. Add compost or manures to the fall garden soil so they have time to mellow before spring planting, feeding beneficial soil microorganisms over winter.
4. Mulch fallen leaves with a mower (bagger on) or a leaf sucker, so they break down more quickly. Incorporate mulched leaves into beds or compost. Leaves increase organic matter, which helps soil absorb and hold water, as well as feed soil organisms. 
5. Cut back perennials. If you live in a wet winter climate, cutting back in fall can help plants from staying too wet and rotting.
6. Clean tools. Remove any soil left on tools with a stiff, steel-bristle brush. Remove rust by scrubbing your tools with steel wool until the signs of rust are gone. Then rub the metal and wood with mineral oil, and store in a dry area.
7. Make notes. As gardeners, we’re already thinking about what to do differently next year.
8. Soil test. Fall is a great time to do a soil test. Look to your local county Cooperative Extension Service, which often performs soil tests, or can advise you on a local place to submit your test.
9. Store seeds in a cool, dry area. This is a good time to take inventory, creating a reorder for next year. 
10. Request seed catalogs!!!

For further reading got to: Essential Fall Garden Tasks

Fall Garden Update 2016

Now is the time to start planting your veggies for fall harvests!  Here is a great article explaining what to do and when to do it! 

Fall Garden Vegetables

Here is what I have planted so far in my fall garden:

• broccoli
• carrots
• beets
• turnips
• lettuce
• kale
• arugula
• peas
• bush beans
• cilantro

These are growing alongside the vegetables that are still producing in the garden like cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, and herbs. 

 

My pumpkins are also coming along strong!

Growing Herbs

Here is a great article that explains how to grow herbs and which ones are the best to grow in your own yard!

Growing Herbs in the Garden

Garden Weeds: 8 Most Effective Ways To Get Rid Of Them For Good

Here are some ways to keep the weeds out of your garden without resorting to nasty chemicals that will damage the quality of your crops and your soil.

Natural Ways to Kill Weeds