Updating Your Garden to Reflect You

Change is the air — literally. As the seasons shift and winter gives way to spring, it's time to assess and evaluate. In the garden, this may mean planning a complete renovation. Gardens are not static museum pieces. Your space should reflect you, and you are not stagnant. Your inspirations and... >>more

Starting Plants From Seed

Seeds are little marvels. If someone needs proof of miracles, have them plant a tiny carrot seed and then harvest a fat carrot weeks later. Or sow a gritty morning glory seed and watch throughout the season as it rambles over a chain-link fence, producing an electric display. Or let them plant a typical-looking sunflower seed and then crane their neck to look at a... >>more

Spring Soil Preparation

The arrival of spring makes gardeners rejoice. The sun is warmer, buds swell, and the early bulbs like winter aconite are in full glory. Another sign of spring is gardeners starting to rake and hoe and dig in soil amendments and organic matter. Spring is a good time to improve soil in your garden so your plants grow healthy and can reach their full potential in.... >>more

Interpreting Soil Test Results

A professional soil test or an electronic soil tester will help gardeners supply plants with the necessary nutrients. The following chart was taken from an actual soil sample on my community garden in April.... >>more

March Q&A

Question: I am planning to begin a small-space container gardening component within the group-counseling program I run for adolescent teens at Covenant House in... more

March 2008

William Moss
E-mail your question and I'll choose two to answer in each newsletter.

March Gardening Tips

Start cleaning containers and pots so they are ready for planting. Take out old soil and any trellises and scrub the pots to remove dirt. You can go a step further and sterilize them by soaking them in a solution of 9 parts water to 1 part bleach. Rinse well.

Once the garden thaws, remove old garden debris, such as leaves, stalks, and seed heads, to reduce the presence of any overwintering diseases and pests. This also helps to encourage new growth on perennials. Once the garden is cleared, mulch with a light layer of compost for aesthetics and extra nutrients.

Wait until the soil is warmed and somewhat dry to dig planting holes or work the soil. Test it by squeezing a handful of soil; if the particles stick together tightly even when you open your hand, it's too wet. Wait until it holds together loosely. Working in wet soil can turn it into heavy clods and lead to compaction problems.

National Gardening Association