Yes, it is time to start the planning, and in some instances planting, for your spring/summer garden. I highly recommend the following tools:
- Notebook or composition book for notes/pictures
- Almanac
- Calendar
- “Garden Planner.” Organic Gardening <www.organicgardening.com/spring-planner>
The notebook has proven to be an invaluable tool for obvious reasons. I look back over the pictures I have taken of my lush spring/summer produce during the winter months and dream, as well as drool. I plan my crop rotation each year by looking back at previous year’s pictures and notations. The crop rotation prevents some pests from recurring and puts you one step closer to being a ‘biodynamic farmer’ instead of just an organic one…more on that later. I also keep notes on what plants have worked, as well as the ones that have not so I do not waste my time or money on them again.
As for the almanac, my grandfather used it as his guide and he had some of the best fruits and veggies I have ever eaten. I prefer Farmer’s and Planter’s Almanac for that very reason. My husband and I wear this little book out! He checks it repeatedly as a weather and hunting aide while I am checking the “Planting Table” and “Best Days To:” as a guide for what I can/should be doing regarding gardening, transplanting, pruning, etc. While it can seem a little intimidating at first there are explanations of the characters and terms and, before you know it, you will be using it like a pro.
Regarding the calendar, I prefer a desk calendar with plenty of space to write. Being the organize ‘freak’ that I am (or try to be) I keep up with everything in my calendar and I do mean everything. I found one this year with columns which you can use for different family members or for different aspects of your life if you don’t have children or are an empty nester. I LOVE it! I make notations in the calendar based on my almanac findings. It may sound cumbersome but it really isn’t as I only refer to the almanac once, transfer the pertinent info to my calendar and *poof* I am good to go for the month.
And finally…I received this little guide when I subscribed to Organinc Gardening magazine (which I recommend as well). One of the most helpful parts for me is the ‘Spring Planting Guide’. This guide allows you to chart, based on your last spring frost date, when to plant seeds indoors and when to transplant them to the garden. There is also a list of which plants do well when you direct-seed them into your garden. There are many more useful tools in this compact guide…too many to mention. Even if you cannot get this exact one, I feel certain you can download a guide from the internet that would serve the same purpose.
And there you have it- my planning basics!!!
I have gotten so psyched writing this that I am going to take inventory of my seed stockpile right now to see what I need to get ordered…ah, the life of a city farmer…my work is never done…
Until next time, happy planning!
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