Time to Plant?

Our beautiful weekend is over but we can be glad that it didn't rain and be thankful that it's raining now. A warm, gentle rain to grow the grass and help the trees and flowers to flourish. I want to remind everyone that it's a little too early to plant alot of things but it is safe to plant peas, lettuce and spinach. Potatoes will probably be ok because if they are up and the weatherman is calling for frost, just slip out to your garden and "hill" them. By this I mean covering them with soil from both sides to create a mound or hill. This will protect the tender plants and create a better environment for them to grow in. Enriching the soil before planting is always a good idea. Till in some compost, composted manure, fish emulsion, bonemeal, leaves or slow release pellets. There are many different ways to add nutrients to your garden. You will grow bigger, better and healthier plants. Make sure your garden is in a place where there is adequate air circulation and if you need to water, always do so in the morning. This allows the foliage to dry out and discourages any fungal diseases. Remember to grow plants in a different area in the garden each year. Moving them confuses and discourages negative insects. Consider companion planting...plants that attract "good" insects will help control the nasty insects that are drawn to other parts of the garden. It's all pretty simple if we just educate ourselves in knowing what plant goes with another (or not!). You can find a wealth of knowledge on this topic in the library as well as on line. Just look up Companion Planting. That's my gardening tip for the day! Have a good one!