SPRING IS BACK TO NATURE
APRIL 2011
Early-Spring Planting
Dear Gardeners:
I just finished reading a most wonderful article about getting connected back with nature or for some of us reconnecting with nature again. Its amazing contents wooed me with a soothing feeling as the author wrote of how powers of nature can restore us mentally, emotionally, physically and even intellectually. Just thinking of the wonderful things that grow sent me into a “greenhouse overload!”
April is the month for getting back into the soil and planting things that bloom, things give you a lift of natural quality to eat and the pleasure of having the enjoyable views to behold the earth’s reaping bounty of growth. This month if you're seeking to start a small bed of flowers; or vegetables I’ll give a few tips on starting up and maintaining upkeep techniques that will hopefully work for you. For those beginners of course, this may be very helpful. More experienced gardeners may pitch in and give their growing secrets too.. At least I’m hoping they’ll help me out. I’m not at expertise at growing, so I’ve learned things by trial and error. This topic is tilling…What’s tilling? You may already know the definition, but how to do it correctly well let’s see…
TILLING
TOOLS TO START:
Gloves to help protect your hands
Shovel
Hoe plain or tilling hoe
Wheel barrel
Garden Rake
Garden Tiller
[Or if you have a gas/electric tiller]
Manure/mulch and a good plan layout
Select your spot…normally depending on your choice of planting, veggies or flowers pick a great show place with sunshine and some shade as well. Days will get hotter, so for plants, or veggies needing direct sunlight you’ll pick a less shady place to till. Overall making a pre planned place to plant is essential for you.
Till the soil once, turning under any cover crop or residues left from the fall. Some grounds may require a second tilling, and the removing grass roots and and any large lumps or rocks. This usually the case if the ground hasn't been used before. Then add manure, lime, and other organic matter and work in well to avoid harming the tender roots of plants as they grow. Chemical fertilizers, that your soil test also may recommend, are best applied right before planting. Chemical fertilizers work quickly, but if they are applied too early in the season they may leak out of the soil and lose their effectiveness. Hopefully, Steve, Clark, or Irma or you may advice on your own landscaping experiences to give a up a tip or two.
Tilling may require several days at a time, it’s great exercise so get plenty of rest. If you need to and you need assistance you can hire an experienced tiller to do the ground work up for you. Otherwise, you’ll have deal with the soreness and sweat….
After tilling you’ll be able to add your seeds, or plant your little babies blooms roots in the ground. Water generally and you’ve completed the very first steps of gardening.
Now that you've got a plan…you can get started to the work. I’m looking forward to doing some tilling. Don't worry rewards are well worth the work in seeing your harvest blooming. I’m thinking about planting some elephant ears! No, not with real elephants!...LOL!
Don’t want to bore you ..you know long letters can do that. I’ve enjoyed writing to you and I’m spoiled too! I love having you come and read a few lines. I’m benefiting a shared happiness let’s continue our relationship on a good growth shall we?. I’ll write again soon.
Toodles!
So tell me …What’s growing in your gardens?
I’d surely love to know….
How does your gardens grow?
Mine grows…
with lots of love,
MIISRAEL
REMINDER: APRIL 22, 2011 IS EARTH DAY!
Posted By: MIISRAEL Bride
Friday, April 8th 2011 at 3:19PM
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