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It’s gardening time again!

I love this time of year! Choosing seeds and plants; then deciding where to plant them. My inner child, landscaper and farmer all collide together! This year I have cut back a bit. The soil in my tomato patch needs some rotation so I’m planting some flowers and bush snap beans instead. I thought I’d try a few tomato plants in pots this year. That is a first for me; we will see how that goes! I don’t like to use chemicals in the garden so I am always looking for ways to improve the soil, keep down pests and hold back weeds. I really hate weeding!

Every year before I plant I prep my soil. In January I start saving my coffee grounds and egg shells. The coffee grounds add acid to the soil and crushed egg shells act as a fertilizer and soil aerator. When I turn over the garden soil I mix in my coffee grounds, egg shells and some compost. I usually let the ground rest for about week after that. I don’t know if it helps or not, but after turning over the ground I need a rest!

To help cut down on the weeds, I like to use newspapers! In my flower beds I put them under the mulch to act as a weed barrier. In my vegetable garden I don’t use mulch, so I lay paper down in between the rows. Just get the paper really soaking wet, place it and then cover with soil. By the end of the growing season, the paper will have degraded, so there is no mess to clean up.

I like to use plants to help with pest control. I have found that planting marigolds around the edge of the garden is not only pretty, but helps to deter bugs and occasionally a rabbit or two. I also like to plant my garlic, basil and parsley in my garden with my other vegetables and flowers. These herbs also have properties that help to keep pesky insects away.

Even with all this great planning I still can get some critter problems. I enjoy planting dahlias, but every year it seems I have to deal with a few aphids. I have had good success with the following recipe for keeping aphids off my flowers.

Aphid Control Spray

• 1 quart of water
• 1/2 teaspoon of liquid dish soap

Just mix and put in a spray bottle. Spray on the effected plants every 2 weeks until aphids are gone.

I use the following recipe for my rose bushes; the aphids get stuck in the milk and die.

Aphid Control for Roses

• 1/3 cup of powdered milk
• 1 quart warm water

Mix together and put in a spray bottle. Apply to roses. You can hose down the bushes occasionally and reapply as needed.

If you’re like me, after gardening, even with wearing gloves, my hands and nails are covered in dirt. It is always so hard to get all the dirt off! Here’s a trick that I discovered to help. Make a thick paste with oatmeal and water. Before washing, work the paste into your hands really well. Then wash as usual. It works like a charm! Your hands will be nice and clean.

Happy gardening!

I am always looking for new gardening tips! Share yours in the comments below!

1st Chinese Herbs

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