Get Ready Get Set Grow

Mothers day is the unofficial start for most summer gardens here in the Chicago area. Everyone is chomping at the bit wanting to get there vegetables plants and summer annuals in the ground. Most cool season vegetables have already been planted or should be in the next week or so. I would like to give you some good advise on getting the soil ready.

Before planting all those vegetables in the garden it is important to get them off to a good start. Loosen the soil to a depth of about 12 inches. Next spread 3 to 4 inches of well rotted compost over the entire area and work it in well. Be sure to mix it in thoroughly. This will help to build your soil and give your new plants a great start and allow there roots to penetrate deep into the soil.

When ever I plant pepper or tomato plants I like to take a coffee can and punch several holes in the sides about two inches up from the bottom. I dig a hole about 6 inches from the plant and  place the can in the hole leaving the top 2 inches above the soil. I fill the can about half full of well rotted manure. Then when ever I water I simply fill the can with water let the nutrient rich manure tea seep slowly down to the root zone of the plants.

Another trick I like to use with tender vegetable plants is to cut the bottom out of 5 gallon plastic pales and place the pale over the plants. This protects young plants from critters, cold winds and makes them easier to cover in case of a late frost. There is also the added benefit of keeping the air around the young plants warmer giving a bit more early growth.

A great idea for hanging baskets of annual flowers is to hang them on bungee cords. When you water the weight of the water will pull the bungee cord down and as the water evaporates the bungee will shorten up letting you know it is time to water again. Latter in the season be sure to check your baskets ever day. During warm summer days your baskets may need to be watered everyday.

Have a great week and I hope some of these ideas will be helpful to you. Get out this week and enjoy your gardens.