We do a little of both – starting from seeds and with plants, it depends on how the weather is doing when they need to be started (Jersey weather can be wonky in the spring!), and whether the plant is best started with seeds or not. Honestly, I pretty much let Mr.B. worry about that part, lol! I’m more of a harvest it / cook it / preserve it person!
As far as tips for how we garden? I think composting is really one of the best things you can do for any gardening. No matter how crappy the dirt in your yard, if you work some good compost into it, you’ll be able to grow something. Not to mention all the great environmental benefits of composting! Whether you do it in a fancy barrel composter, make your own wooden compost bin or just have a small patch where you throw your stuff, composting is the way to go.
I also highly recommend Mel Bartholomew’s square foot gardening system. Basically it’s just about making raised beds to garden in and mixing your soil in a good way (including that compost!). It means no weeds to deal with and being able to garden a high yield of produce in a small area (we have a pretty small area of usable yard). You can read how to start your own at his website. Oh, and when it’s talking about the soil mix? We don’t use the vermiculite, and it’s worked just fine for us! Just means watering a little more often!
As far as gardening spells and intentions? This is definitely something I work on through the year. Before you even start growing, bless your little seed packets and wish them growth and abundance! When you have to thin your seedlings, thank the ones you pull for their sacrifice (and make sure to throw them in the compost bin!). On Ostara, I always make a special “prosperity” egg that I bury in the garden (died green and filled with herbs for prosperity). Whenever you go out to check and/or water your plants, take a minute to really center yourself and revel in the basic thing you are doing: growing food. Creating a way to nourish yourself and your family. Appreciate your garden and give it thanks.
Thank you so much for the post and information. This si something I am beginning to research since gardening season will be here before you know it.Now, I have a place to start thanks to you.
Wonderful! Makes me wish for Spring! Now where are those seed catalogues…
I'll cast my vote for Mel Bartholomew, too!I live on a grand plot with a huge kitchen garden, but when we lived in a wee little rowhouse with a tiny patch of sunlight, I was astonished with how much I could actually grow in a tiny space.Can also be done with old Rubbermaid tubs on your balcony, if you get enough sunlight! The super deep kind, not the under the bed kind.
Thanks so much for answering my question:):) I will have to check out Mel Bartholomew!
I plan on starting a garden soon so thank you for the info!
woot! I'm excited about this one we garden every year and I'm getting a little more and more adventurous! I've been thinking about raised beds and I can get compost from the city
I actually signed on today to read back, and see if you have posted any tips for this very subject!!! The one remaining question i have, is, Do you have any tips on how to make/START a compost?? I have TUBS of stuff in my fridge waiting for me to start my compost, i just don't know how to set it up in the beginning? My father always did that, however, since hes past, and we've moved now, i don't know how to start a fresh new one…
THANK YOU!!~Ash
Ash, here is a link to a great post on starting a compost pile: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/homecompost/building.htmlWe personally don't use fertilizer since our bunny passed away, though it will definitely help kick-start your pile. If you happen to know someone with a rabbit, their droppings are perfect!You can start your compost just on the ground in a spare corner of the yard or in a compost container.Don't forget to turn the pile often! And if you have leaves or grass clippings, those are great to throw in, too. Good luck!