“It does not matter how small the garden is; what matters is the love that grows there.” - Unknown

Hey there,

This is Louis Green at Greentown Farms talking about produce today! 

If you are a new gardener, I am about to give you some great information.  If you are a seasoned gardener, smile and nod and do your thing.  You may find a bit of goodness in my blog as well. 

Spring is returning fast here in SWLA. We are in zone 9a and the trees are telling me that the last frost is likely already past.  In my area, the last frost is about March 15th on average, but we have had frost years in the last week of March.  I tend to follow the old timers rule of waiting until March 21st or Good Friday, whichever is later.  It has saved my garden in years past.  You will have to adapt to whatever your local climate is!

Today’s topic is 10 tips for starting a veggie garden.  I am sure that I’ll be shooting videos again soon, so you may want to be my friend on Facebook and follow the Greentown Flower Patch and Greentown Produce pages.

So, here we go, my 10 tips for today!

1.     Pick a Sunny Spot: Most veggies are sun worshippers! Aim for at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.

2.     Soil Matters: Good drainage and rich nutrients are key. Raised beds offer more control over soil quality. Amending existing soil with compost is another option.

3.     Know Your Zone: Planting times vary based on climate. Research your USDA growing zone to know when to sow frost-sensitive vegetables.

4.     Start Small, Dream Big: Don't overwhelm yourself. Begin with a manageable garden size and expand as your confidence grows.

5.     Pick Your Favorites: Plant vegetables your family will enjoy eating. Fresh homegrown produce is even tastier!

NOTE: If you aren’t sure about how to plant your favorites, here is a chart from my friends at Seeds Now to help you out.

6.     Planter Power: Consider raised beds for better drainage, weed control, and easier access. They're perfect for small spaces too.

7.     Plant Power Couples: Not all veggies play well together. Research companion planting to boost growth and deter pests naturally.

8.     Water Wisely: An inch of water per week is a good rule, but adjust based on rainfall and climate. Consistent moisture is key.

9.     Weed Warriors: Stay ahead of the weeds! Regular weeding prevents them from stealing water and nutrients from your precious plants.

10. Be a Friend to the Helpers: Attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings to help control unwanted pests organically.  I usually interplant marigolds with my purple hull peas to help with pests.  Research and find a flower you like.  Flowers are powerful! Beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings are attracted to your garden by a combination of factors:

Food:

• Prey: These beneficial insects are predators that feed on other insects in your garden. Ladybugs love aphids, mealybugs, and scales, while lacewings enjoy aphids, mites, and other small soft-bodied insects.

• Pollen and nectar: Many beneficial insects, including adult lacewings, also feed on pollen and nectar from flowering plants. This provides them with energy for hunting and reproduction.

Habitat:

• Shelter: Ladybugs and lacewings like places to hide and lay their eggs. This can include things like loose bark on trees, tall grasses, and debris piles (made from natural materials).

Reduced Use of Pesticides:

• Harmful chemicals: Harsh pesticides can kill both beneficial and harmful insects. Avoiding or minimizing pesticide use creates a welcoming environment for these helpful predators.

By providing these attractants and reducing deterrents, you can encourage ladybugs, lacewings, and other beneficial insects to take up residence in your garden, helping you control pest populations naturally. Here are some great pollinators attracting flowers.

 Until next time, enjoy playing in the dirt.

Love ya, BYE

Louis

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