A Fresh Start

It is a new season and we are starting fresh from the garden to our plates.

April and May are planting seasons for the garden. I would love to tell you I have a huge beautiful garden like Ina Garten, but unfortunately I do not. I do everything right and some small animal ends up eating it or I somehow kill the plants. I have tried for years to manage even a small herb garden, but the bunnies always get it. What can I say? Herbs are delicious even to small little furry creatures! I am going to share with you my planting suggestions and hope your planting season goes better than mine ever did.

Things to think about for planting a successful garden:

• Plot out where you are going to have your garden in your yard. Do you need planting boxes? Are you going to fence it in?
• Next figure out your planting pattern and what will grow next to each other well. What needs more or less light? For example, in an herb garden, you have to leave mint on its own because it takes over everything.
• Once you decide your pattern, figure out when you will plant. That depends on where you live and if the crop can handle a random frosty night. That is if you are starting from seedling plants and not seeds. 
• Water plants in the morning and make sure not to over water. This is a misconception, you can definitely over water plants!
• Make sure to weed your garden at least once a week or as needed.
• Label your crops until they grow in.
• Make sure your plants are growing up not out. Tomato plants will need a support system.
• Look into a natural way to keep your crops safe from little furry creatures. We don't want your hard work to go to waste!

As I have said, I am not a master gardener, but these are my suggestions. When in doubt ask someone at your local farmer's market for best planting practices. They are full of knowledge and may be willing to share with you. I wish you all luck with your fresh starts in the garden!