I was listening to the radio on a drive a few days ago and because of the virus they keep playing all these advertisements. One that shocked me, for some reason, was that people are starting to garden even more than ever. I don’t really know why I was surprised by that. It only makes sense.
As a kid, I have really fond memories when my parents grew a huge garden in our backyard. One of my favorite meals my mom would make was wilted lettuce with this bacon and oil dressing. God dang was it delicious! What made it extra special and taste even better is that all the ingredients (minus the bacon and oil) came straight from the garden, bibb lettuce, onion and tomatoes.
Maybe with all this downtime, it’s time to get back to basics? If you’re up for it. I’ve done a little research and will share some links as well. And don’t worry, your garden doesn’t need to look like Chip and Joanna Gains, all perfect with pea gravel paths. Just go for it and enjoy the “fruits AND vegetables” of your labor.
Garden Design
This goes for anything really - start out with a plan. Determine how big of a garden you can handle with how much space you have available. Doing so will help you determine the number of crops you can grow. Sketch it out on paper if It helps!
Remember to allow for enough room for paths to be able to tend to the plants, use trellises fencing to for vining crops, and plant crops closer together to help retain soil moisture and control weeds.
Succession planting
Extend your harvest by planting in intervals. Staggering your planting schedule will ensure that crops ripen at different times, rather than all at once. Creating a continuous harvest by planting a group of crops every two weeks will keep fresh fruits and vegetables on the dinner plate while avoiding an excess of produce.
(i’ve provided a link an discuss this furhter, when and what you should plant)
Staying Organized
Keeping a garden journal is essential to successful garden planning. Track the dates of planting, it doesn’t have to be anything crazy. Find a notebook, the physical calendar that you never look at or Use your Iphone if that works for you.
Actually, thanks to technology…there’s an app for that. Here are a couple to look up - Veggie Garden Planner, Gardenize, Garden Plan Pro.
According to USfeeds.com Ohio is primarily a Zone 6…you’ll understand what that means when you click the link. There they show you when and where to plant all season long. I’ll post instructions here for you too.
March: Begin beets, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, lettuce, onions, peas, peppers, spinach and tomatoes inside.
(march is over with obvi, so start with April)
April: Plant beets, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, lettuce, peas and spinach outside. Begin carrots outside.
May: Begin beans, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, corn, cucumbers and squash inside. Plant carrots, onions, peppers and toamtoes outside
June: Plant squash, beans, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, corn and cucumbers outside.
July: Begin beets, broccoli and spinach inside.
August: Plant beets, broccoli and spinach outside. Begin carrots, kale, lettuce and peas inside.
September: Plant carrots, kale, lettuce and peas outside.
If you decide you’re going to start a garden…share with me your tips and tricks that make your garden successful. Also, I wouldn’t mind if you shared some of the things you grow. Keep in mind I love tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers (not hot), basically anything would due just fine! Good luck and happy gardening!
Where to buy locally -
suncrestgardens.com, Instagram: @suncrestgardens
daytonnursery.com, Instagram: @dayton_nursery
bremec.com, Instagram: @bremecgardencenters
Helpful websites:
https://files.ufseeds.com/uploads/Ohio.pdf
https://www.hunker.com/13427434/when-to-plant-vegetables-in-ohio
https://simplay3.com/newsfeed/tips-for-starting-your-garden-in-northeast-ohio/