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Vegetable Gardening Hints, Issue #015 -- Things to do in March.
March 07, 2009
Hello,

March is a month where some gardeners can start planting in the beginning of the month whereas other areas are still under snow. I think of March as soil preparation month, even if you cannot get into your garden until the end of the month now is the time to learn more about your garden soil.

MARCH IS SOIL PREPARATION MONTH

Having healthy well drained garden soil is necessary to have a successful and productive vegetable garden.

  • Start with a soil test. A soil test will tell you what kind of nutrients you have in your soil as well as what the pH is. All growing plants need a combination of nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus to grow well. pH is also important for growing healthy vegges. Learn more about soil testing.
  • The next step is preparing your garden beds. All garden beds need to be worked in some way by tilling them, mulching if you are doing a no dig garden or just breaking up the hard surface so you can plant seeds. Learn more about soil preparation.

  • Amending and fertilizing. It is important to feed your soil so that there are nutrients that your vegetable plants and access to grow well. I recommend only using organic amendments and fertilizers because I truly believe organic gardens are healthier to the gardener and the environment. Here is more information on organic amendments and organic fertilizers.

  • " 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.

  • Need help with 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.

  • March to do list:
    • Visit garden centers.
    • Start your garden soil preparation.
    • Read seed packets before planting seeds.
    • Start planting potatoes and peas outdoors if weather allows.
    • Start tomato, onion, leeks and basil seedlings indoors.



    VEGETABLE OF THE MONTH

    Carrots

    Here are my tips for growing great carrots:

    • Carrots like deep sandy loamy soil.
    • Sow direct starting in April.
    • Carrots need to be thinned, so make sure you take the time to do this.
    • Successive plant every few weeks to have an ongoing harvest.
    • Water regularly and keep the leaves from getting wet. Water at the base of the plants.
    • Harvest well young and tender; this is a great way to thin as they are growing.

    For more information on check out Carrots .

    Now is the time to start planning your vegetable garden for this coming season. 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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