MY GARDEN

Here is the layout of my garden to date! I do this every year, it helps me plan the next year with rotation of crops. The information I find valuable year to year is; PH of soil, date of planting, date of harvest, and the flowers I plant throughout my garden for pest control. I also keep a journal with more detail information on fertilizing, weeds, temperatures, and the general look / health of my garden!

Spring Garden 2012
20'X25'

YARD OVERVIEW

Spring Garden 2012
Total Planted In Yard

Soil Test

Soil Tips:

Want to see the quality of your soil? Here is a tip I got from Ed Smith the author of “The Vegetable Gardener’s Bible.

In the spring before the soil gets to warm. With a spade, outline and remove a block of soil about a foot square and 7 inches deep. Spread the soil out on a board, gently break up the soil, and count the worms. Fewer than 10 worms in your soil sample is bad news. Chances are your soil is lacking in organic matter, and organic matter is the breakfast buffet to a worm. Worms do two things very, very well! They eat and make more worms. Add organic matter to the soil and you supply them with food, and with food they’ll happily make lots more worms.

When I first started my garden 12 years ago I had few worms....don't be discouraged, you can turn in some Mushroom Compost (buy it by the bag at Portland Nursery) as you plant. 

 When I first started my garden in 2000 I bought 4 yards of Mushroom Compost and turn it into the soil in the fall and let it feed my little wiggly friends. I now have over 30per my square block.

My little wiggle friends 
It's going to be a good year!
32 and counting!

Flowers in your Vegetable Garden

Flowers in your vegetable garden:

French and African Marigold Flowers add color and make GREAT vegetable garden friends. Planting Marigolds as a border or among your vegetables are a good organic pest control that repel insects. Marigolds do an excellent job of keeping bean beetles, whiteflies, and cucumber beetles out of your garden.

• The French Dwarf Marigold are very effective for bush beans and beetles will stay clear of my bean rows. 



French Marigold Flower

• African Marigolds are great to plant among larger vegetables like cucumbers, corn or pole beans

African Marigold Flowers

Asters

Plant Cosmos, Calendula and Asters to attract Lady Bugs!

      Happy Gardening,

    Ruby