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Vegetable Gardening Hints, Issue #013 -- Your January to do list and more.
January 03, 2009
Hello,

I want to wish you all a very happy, prosperous 2009. I hope you all have a bountiful vegetable harvest this coming season. With the northern areas under snow you are wondering what kind of gardening can I do now, well I believe planning is the first step to having a successful vegetable garden. If you live in the south where you are thinking of planting, take the time to plan ahead before you do so.

YOUR JANUARY TO DO LIST

  • Dream.
    Dreaming and visualizing about what you want your vegetable garden to be can be very powerful. Take time to look through gardening magazines and reading gardening books for new ideas and pictures of what you would like to create in your own garden. Your local library is a great resource.

  • Start planning your vegetable garden.
    To get you started " My 2009 Vegetable Garden Journal "is now available.
    It is a simple to follow book that will help you stay organized and give you all the information you need to have a successful vegetable garden.

    In the book you will find:

    • A monthly calender with the best dates to plant.
    • Month at a glance to do list to guide you.
    • Easy to follow planting, growing and harvesting information for 25 common vegetables.
    • Tips on watering, fertilizing, mulching and pest management.

    Ready to read more? click here.

  • When planning remember to rotate your vegetables.
    Vegetable rotation is one of the best ways to prevent pest and diseases in your garden. Learn more about vegetable rotation .

  • List the vegetable you want to grow.
    What do you and your family like to eat? This is where you want to start when deciding what to grow. It is also nice to try one new vegetable each year, who knows the family may love it! If not, a neighbor or the food bank would appreciate it. Check out my list of vegetables to choose a new veggie to try this season.

  • Choose your garden layout.
    Now you know what you would like to grow, where and how are you going to make it happen? The most common ways of planting vegetables are in row, raised beds or in containers. Order one of my vegetable garden plans books for great planning ideas for your own garden.

    VEGETABLE OF THE MONTH

    Kale

    If you still have some of this healthy vegetable in your garden enjoy it!

    Here are my tips for growing great Kale:

    • It is a member of the brassica family.
    • This plant thrives in the cold weather.
    • This vegetable tastes better after a bit of a frost.
    • Plants are usually set out in June or July for a winter harvest.
    • This plant will reseed itself so be careful how much and where you plant it.
    • This is not a popular vegetable but is one of the most nutritious vegetables you can grow.
    • It can be used (hidden if needed) in soups and stews, adding iron and other vitamins to your meal.

    For more information on check out Kale .

    Now is the time to relax, dream and plan your vegetable garden! I have several helpful ebooks that will provide you with easy to follow tips to having a fabulous vegetable garden. Check them out.

    Please contact me with your comments and suggestions.

    If you have enjoyed this ezine please tell a friend.

    Welcome to the world of vegetable gardening!

    Catherine
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