Crafting balance in your garden is just as important as balancing flavors in a well crafted dish. It is easy to get carried away in the spring. As the days get longer and the weather begins to warm, the desire to pick fresh herbs, lettuces, and carrots beckons. There is a lot of unknown with Covid-19, so taking the time to get outside, connect with nature, and grow your own food is one way to bring joy into your life. There is no time like now to start planning and planting your garden.
Flowering Sage in the Kitchen Garden at Foxhollow Farm
5 tips for spring gardening
Plan out your garden so you can be sure you are rotating your crops. If you don’t know what crop rotation is, Rodale Institute does!
Choose your seeds and plants wisely. When it comes to seeds, I love supporting the small businesses that have proven they know what they are doing when it comes to producing high quality, flavorful varieties. A couple of my favorites are Baker’s Creek Heirloom Seeds and Johnny’s Seeds. When it comes to plants, buy local. There are plenty of local farmers who know what varieties grow best in your region. Trust them to grow strong plants that are fit for your soil and climate. Here is the Louisville area, I love Fresh Start Grower’s Supply, Louisville Grows, and Plant Kingdom. The best option, make a farmer friend with a greenhouse (one win for Foodie Girl), ask them for any extra plants they might have.
Get in garden shape! Every spring I over do it. I jump right into the season like it is mid summer and I have been gardening for weeks. I end up with a sore back and achy legs. Take time to stretch before and after you step into your garden. Pay attention to your position, being sure to evenly distribute your weight. Keep your core tight and take water breaks.
Don’t get too excited and plant frost sensitive plants before your average last frost date. Here in Kentucky, it’s usually after Derby. But, since Derby’s been moved due to Covid-19, that doesn’t really apply anymore. Check out the Farmer’s Almanac to figure out your last frost date. Side note, even the most experienced gardeners will make this mistake. It’s like betting on horses, you just keep thinking you might win! I planted a row of tomatoes a couple weeks ago when it was nice and warm. Then, it froze the following week. Even though I covered them with a protective cloth, the tomatoes I planted outside are dead. Luckily, I do have plenty still safe and warm in the Greenhouse.
Grow something close to your heart. Last year I planted some Yellow eye peas for the first time. A dear friend of ours, Summer Auerbach of Rainbow Blossom, had gifted me the seeds. Throughout the season as I nurtured the trailing vines of peas, I thought of Summer. I saved seeds from those plants and now will grow them every year, embracing not only the sweet tenderness of the peas but also the sweet trendrells of our friendship. There is no time like now to find new ways to connect with friends.
Happy Gardening and wishing everyone health and time with nature.
Salud,
Maggie
Cayenne Peppers growing in the spring greenhouse