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This is the Year to Start a Garden - Part 1
For those who have never gardened before, Spring is a great time to begin.
If you are interested in using heirloom seed varieties, here are some sources for heirloom varieties: Seed Savers Exchange, Southern Exposure Seed Exchange, and Bakers Creek Heirloom Seeds. Especially if you are starting in late Spring, I recommend that you order online for faster service.
There are some important things to consider when making a choice for your garden site. Choose a location that gets full sun or as much sun as possible during the day. Make sure that your garden site has good drainage; plants do not like standing water around them.
As soon as your soil is dry enough to work, use a garden tiller to till the soil at least one foot in depth.
We have readers from varying regions of the country, so I always recommend that gardeners consult their local agricultural extensions agents for information concerning planting dates for their gardens. There are great local resources in every area that can be a huge help when starting your planting.
For example, I just returned from Louisiana where I helped a farmer friend plant Irish potatoes on the 14th of February, a date which is far too early for us here in Tennessee.
Five Tips to Consider for Planning your Spring Garden:
1. Find the best garden site in your yard, one that gets the most sun and has good drainage.
2. If you are interested in growing heirloom varieties, here are three good sources: Seed Savers Exchange, Southern Exposure Seed Exchange, and Bakers Creek Heirloom Seeds.
3. Till your garden space in preparation for spring planting.
4. Make sure that you have the gardening tools that you will need for the gardening season. Shovel, hoe, hard tooth rake, fork hoe and trowel, etc. Don't forget a good part of gardening gloves too!
5. Consult your agricultural county agent for a schedule on planting dates for your region.
John Coykendall, Master Gardener