In the Garden

The Fulfilling Garden

Spring has come and it is time to start planting seedlings. I always look forward to seeing the new seeds pop through the dark soil ever so slowly. To watch them become good strong plants and produce many fruits. I think gardening is a fulfilling experience you gain something from the time spent working the ground; it gives you a peace of mind to know you have accomplished something. I would like to encourage you to start a garden be it ever so small. A garden saves money and is fun most of all. Proverbs 31:16 -She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.-KJV- Another good verse for gardening is: Psalm 104:14 -He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth...KJV

Lessons from the Garden

~Flowers


Tulips~ Do not let Tulips go to seed and when cutting always leave two large leaves on the plant to feed the bulb.
Fire rot is one of the diseases that attack Tulips causing decay of foliage and blossom. If a spray of light Bordeaux mixture is applied two or three times early in the Spring this can be controlled.

~Hyacinths~ For next years Spring garden color plan on planting them in groups. They look best against a background of Tulip greenery. They need good drainage, sun, and protection from wind.
If Hyacinths grow lop-sided and appear blighted it is because they are not sufficiently protected from the wind.

~Caring for Bulbs in the Spring~ Don't remove the covering from Spring bulbs too early in the season. Examine to see that the leaves are dry and loosen the mulch some as the days get warmer.
Remove the mulch from Spring bulbs when all danger of late frost is past. Remove material carefully so that young shoots will not be damaged.

~Gladiolus~ Don't buy inferior Gladiolus bulbs. A good Gladiolus bulb is almost round and has a high crown. Large, sprawly ones are inferior stock.
Plant Gladiolus bulbs about ten days apart so you will have a succession of blooms. Gladiolus blooms 60-90 days after planting.
Weeds must not be allowed to grow around the Gladiolus but take care not to cultivate deeply within 6 inches of the plant.
~Vegetables


Good Garden Soil for Vegetables~ It is made up of a combination of sand, clay, and humus.
Save garden space and produce more vegetables by planting early-maturing crops between rows of late-maturing crops. Wait until the weather is settled and the soil is warm before planting vegetables, unless plants are to be protected with covers of some kind.
~Beans~ Beans like good sunlight, well-drained soil that has been well mixed with manure and general fertilizer.
So seed for snap or string bean two weeks apart. These beans mature in 6-8 weeks. By space planting you can have a supply of beans all summer.
Don't work around plants or pick beans when the bushes are wet with rain or heavy dew. Disease can easily be spread from one plant to another at this time.
~Cabbage~ Can be grown almost anywhere in well-drained, moist, and fertil soil.
In the cooler areas two crops of cabbage can be grown. The round-headed early variety in the Spring and late cabbage in the Fall for Winter storage.
Cabbage grows best in cool moist weather and when there is an abundance of sunshine.
~Cucumbers~ Cucumbers are planted in hills, 8-10 seeds to a hill. Two to four hills will supply the average family.
Don't be in a great hurry to plant cucumbers in the Spring. Wait until the weather is warmer and the seeds can make rapid growth. This reduces the danger from beetles.
It helps to put a tablespoon of plant food in each hill when planting cucumbers.
~Onions~ Onions will grow in most any climate except where it is very hot or very cold.
As onion tops ripen break them down lightly with your food. This will cause the onion to rippen quicker. When the tops are yellow and dry time to harvest.
~Tomatoes~ Tomatoes can be started indoors in March. Sow a half inch deep in flats. When the second pair of two leaves are formed transplant them in individual containers. Keep cool and well ventilated. Can use a fan blowing lightly over the transplants.
When purchasing tomatoe plants choose those that are sturdy, stocky, and deep green in color.
If you plan to stake your tomatoes drive the stakes in the ground before you set the plants.

~Herbs


Mint~ Keep mint cut and do not allow seeds to form. Late in the Fall cut mint back severely and put compost on the roots.

~Thyme~ It should be planted in deep, well drained holes, in a sunny place. I like Lemon Thyme!!

~Rosemary~ This needs deep planting dig the hole deep and soak it for at least an hour before adding the plant.

~Parsley~ Parsley seed is very slow to germinate so soak overnight in water to help the seeds get started.

~Basil~ Start this indoors when plants are 6 inches high transplant to a sunny spot in the garden.

~A Hummingbird Tip

~Hummingbirds are God's flower garden helpers. They help in the pollination process. They like bright colored flowers, that are in a trumpet shape. This allows them to get their long beak in the flower to drink the necter. You can also buy hummingbird feeders at stores near you. They are alot fun to watch as they fly about. Hummingbirds come usually in April and it is best to have your feeder out by then, so they can find it as they are coming through. Becareful not to wear red when working out in the garden or the hummingbirds might mistake you as a flower!!

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