Getting ready for spring plantings a little at a time can fill the last few days of winter with excitement and energy for the coming growing season.  Let’s look a a few key areas where the planning can begin today.

Choosing What to Plant

There are many things to consider when choosing what to plant.  Are you wanting to eat the produce or create a beautiful environment?  If you’re dedicated to organic principals, do you have a good source of heirloom and organic seeds?  What grows best in your region?  When should each plant be started indoors or planted in the ground? Contact your local agricultural extension office for the most relevant information to your area.

• Beginning Tips for Backyard Gardeners
• Choose Carefully to avoid Cross-Pollination Problems
• Prolong Seeds in the Freezer
• Save the Seeds
• Start Seedlings in Egg Shells
• Toilet Paper Rolls Make Perfect Home for Seedlings

Composting

Get started on feeding your plants all the best your kitchen scraps have to offer.  Composting is a wonderful way to nourish your vegetables and fruits without spending a dime.

• Boost Your Plant’s Growth with Fish Tank Water
• Coffee Grounds are Great for Gardens
• Composting Tips

Gather Your Tools

Ask your neighbors and parents for any tools they might want to donate to your upcoming gardening adventure.  Even if you don’t have the newest, shiniest hoe or tractor, having a good, solid spade and rake will be a good place to start for basic ground preparations.

• Tool Time Tips

Pest and Disease Control Naturally

Do some research on the most pesky pests in your area and plan ahead.  You don’t want to get all the hard work of digging and planting done to have your efforts sabotaged by a slug, snail, rabbit, or insect.

• Apply Diatomaceous Earth to Control Pests Organically
• Dealing with Slugs and Snails Naturally
• Kill Wasps Without Chemicals
• Natural Pest and Disease Control
• Organic Garlic Pepper Tea Recipe for Targeted Pest Control
• Rabbits, Moles, and Bugs…Oh, My!
• Use Neem Oil as Natural Pesticide

Planning for Your Space

Anyone can become a master gardener in the space they have.  There are options for container gardeners in apartments and people with small yards and very little sun.  Don’t let your space be an obstacle.  Take the challenge to grow even a little something on your windowsill.  It will change your appreciation for real food.

• Container Gardening Tips
• Create a Garden Trellis From a Screen Door
• Design a Rain Garden
• Do It Yourself Vegetable Trellis
• Find Your Gardening Style 
• Garden in Any Space with a Wall
• Gutter Garden with Ease
• How to Make a Raised Garden Bed
• Recycle Bottles for Garden Edging
• Pallet Garden for Every Home
• Transform Cereal Boxes into Planters
• Use Rain Barrels to Conserve Water and Save Money

If you aren’t interested in a backyard garden, consider joining a community garden.  Get some great tips on community gardening here.