It's... not spring time. Not
with a long shot, even within the Midwest where winter doesn't require that
long. Still, even though spring isn't yet within our reach, any gardener will
explain that as soon as the holidays end, our thoughts use one thing only: the
garden. It is a bit early to think in terms of planting; some people can't even
see our small garden design for the snow on top. But you will find things we can do to
satisfy that gardening itch, within the bleak midwinter. The busier you remain,
the sooner spring will get here.
Setup your composting area.
If you aren't composting yet, now is the time to create yourself up for one of the greatest things you can do as a gardener. Compost may be the black gold of the gardener's world; sure, you can buy bags of it at the local nursery or co-op, however, you can also create it yourself too much of food and yard waste. You will be using that waste instead of dumping it within the trash can, you'll be saving money, and you will be loving on your garden. There is no point in discussion.
So look for a nice, flat area somewhere close to the house or garden and enlist some assistance in setting up a very basic composting system, which does not require much but air, fresh material, then one to hold it all in (a classic trash can with holes poked inside it, a three-sided structure of hay bales or cement blocks, a little area of mesh fencing).
Begin saving containers for those seedlings.
If you have always been a "last-minute gardener" - purchasing your leggy seedlings and popping them in the earth right before the weather shoots as much as high heat - then this is the year to get a headstart and enjoy every moment of spring gardening. Begin saving small containers (egg cartons are superb) for all those seedlings you can grow yourself; in lots of areas of the country, you'll want to get those seeds growing in February so they will be ready to plant in the ground by April or May. Take a look planting calendar from The Old Farmer's Almanac for the best planting dates for your area (just type where you are in the box).
Order your seeds.
This can be every gardener's favorite part: browsing the seed catalogs and websites and choosing all the delicious, beautiful plants to develop this year. Order your seeds now so you will have them in time to start planting them indoors. There are many fabulous organic seed suppliers online. You can find from the website or request a catalog to browse whenever you want:
Seeds of Change
Park Seed Co.
Grow Organic
Natural Gardening
Planet Natural
Prep your soil whenever possible.
Depending on your location, the only soil prep you might be able to do at this point is just say just a little prayer for it. But in many areas, days of snow and ice will be interspersed with times of warmer weather and thawed ground. On those times, get out there and do as much act as possible to break up the soil. For those who have a larger garden plot, obtaining a tiller in there on a good day can be very helpful. Just digging in the soil is good, as it aerates and loosens and prepares it for planting. However, you can also work in compost (well-rotted), manure (well-cured), or any other additives depending on the type of soil you've. Just make sure they're organic.
Get the garden tools and potting area ready.
Claim a large part in the garage, workshop, or patio as the own. Pull out that old, dusty table in the attic or spare bedroom. Provide a bright, cheery coat of paint on the sunny day, set it up, plus you've got a brand-new potting area ready. Next find those garden tools and get them ready for spring-time use by scrubbing them down with something a little abrasive (a Scotchbrite or other scrubbing pad is effective) to remove any caked-on dirt or rust. Provide them with a light coat of oil around the metal parts, then store these questions bucket of sand to ensure that they're rust-free and sharp until planting time comes.
Setup your composting area.
If you aren't composting yet, now is the time to create yourself up for one of the greatest things you can do as a gardener. Compost may be the black gold of the gardener's world; sure, you can buy bags of it at the local nursery or co-op, however, you can also create it yourself too much of food and yard waste. You will be using that waste instead of dumping it within the trash can, you'll be saving money, and you will be loving on your garden. There is no point in discussion.
So look for a nice, flat area somewhere close to the house or garden and enlist some assistance in setting up a very basic composting system, which does not require much but air, fresh material, then one to hold it all in (a classic trash can with holes poked inside it, a three-sided structure of hay bales or cement blocks, a little area of mesh fencing).
Begin saving containers for those seedlings.
If you have always been a "last-minute gardener" - purchasing your leggy seedlings and popping them in the earth right before the weather shoots as much as high heat - then this is the year to get a headstart and enjoy every moment of spring gardening. Begin saving small containers (egg cartons are superb) for all those seedlings you can grow yourself; in lots of areas of the country, you'll want to get those seeds growing in February so they will be ready to plant in the ground by April or May. Take a look planting calendar from The Old Farmer's Almanac for the best planting dates for your area (just type where you are in the box).
Order your seeds.
This can be every gardener's favorite part: browsing the seed catalogs and websites and choosing all the delicious, beautiful plants to develop this year. Order your seeds now so you will have them in time to start planting them indoors. There are many fabulous organic seed suppliers online. You can find from the website or request a catalog to browse whenever you want:
Seeds of Change
Park Seed Co.
Grow Organic
Natural Gardening
Planet Natural
Prep your soil whenever possible.
Depending on your location, the only soil prep you might be able to do at this point is just say just a little prayer for it. But in many areas, days of snow and ice will be interspersed with times of warmer weather and thawed ground. On those times, get out there and do as much act as possible to break up the soil. For those who have a larger garden plot, obtaining a tiller in there on a good day can be very helpful. Just digging in the soil is good, as it aerates and loosens and prepares it for planting. However, you can also work in compost (well-rotted), manure (well-cured), or any other additives depending on the type of soil you've. Just make sure they're organic.
Get the garden tools and potting area ready.
Claim a large part in the garage, workshop, or patio as the own. Pull out that old, dusty table in the attic or spare bedroom. Provide a bright, cheery coat of paint on the sunny day, set it up, plus you've got a brand-new potting area ready. Next find those garden tools and get them ready for spring-time use by scrubbing them down with something a little abrasive (a Scotchbrite or other scrubbing pad is effective) to remove any caked-on dirt or rust. Provide them with a light coat of oil around the metal parts, then store these questions bucket of sand to ensure that they're rust-free and sharp until planting time comes.
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