It's Spring! Time to review what I have learned so far...

So in preparation for a new gardening season, and with the little time that I have left to putz around before the real work starts, let me go over the things I've learned as a new gardener...

1. It's all about the soil - nourish your planting area with organic materials like compost, which improves the soil texture and its ability to make air, water and nutrients more available to plants.
   
2. Plant in raised beds and keep them about 3 feet wide for easy maintenance.
3. Grow organic - do you really want to add chemicals to the food you and your family will eat?
4. Companion Planting - the most wonderful way to keep the bugs away. It works and your veggie garden looks pretty too.
5. Water early in the morning, not in the middle of the day (hottest part of the day) or early evening hours. Water deep, close to the roots.
6. Mulch your plants to keep weeds at bay and moisture in.
7. Don't plant your cucumbers until the soil is warm and danger of frost has passed.
8. Don't start your seeds too early
9. Use sterile, light seedstarting mix for your seeds. Moisten it well and then wait a bit before putting the seeds in.
10. Some seeds need light to sprout, some need darkness. Read the package instructions and research what you're planting before you get started
11. Some seeds need special treatment before planting: soaking, freezing, cold... Again, research before you plant.
12. Tomato, pepper and eggplants love heat - heat the flats from the bottom by using a heating mat
13. Use a plastic cover on your flats to keep moisture in when you plant the seeds. It will need to be removed later on, when the seeds germinate and the seedlings poke through the ground.
14. Save excess seeds. Protect from moisture, air and light. Keep in cool place. I have reused some seeds for 2 to 3 seasons now.
    
15. Do a germination test on your older seeds - moisten a paper towel, put about 10 seeds in, fold and put inside plastic sandwich bag. Check in a few days to see if they sprout, and how many do, so you can have an idea if you need new seeds.
    
16. Do not fertilize until the seedlings have their first set of true leaves.
17. Transplant into bigger pots to allow for better root development
18. Before planting in the garden, get the plants used to outside weather conditions by bringing them out for a few hours each day, increasing their exposure to the elements slowly.
19. If you use a cold frame, make sure to prop it open on warmer days, so you don't bake your plants.
    
20. Brush the top of your tomato plants daily to encourage better growth.

So there, 20 things I have learned to do after 3 years of trial and error in my veggie patch.

New for this year: an expansion of the garden, building new beds, bigger herb garden and composting...stay tuned...