Category: Garden Care

Various tips on caring for your garden such as trimming, watering, spraying etc.

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Eight Steps to a Successful New Garden

So you want to start a new garden?  Outstanding! I like to say, “planting a garden is the first step to true serenity.”   It can also however, be the first step to frustration and anger if one does not plan appropriately.  So where do you start; there are so many things to consider when planting a garden? For example: What plants do you want?  Do you want flowers or vegetables or trees or all? Are you doing landscaping for your front yard or planting for your backyard?  Do you want a personal retreat or a public oasis? Maybe you’re just trying fix that corner that’s been bothering you for years!  Regardless, you wish there was a checklist you could look at to guide you through this process. Well… here you go; eight steps to a new garden!

Garden Steps Checklist

Below is a simple checklist that can be used covering 8 steps to a successful new garden space.  

1:     Location, Location, Location! 

Look closely at the location you’re considering. Always ask the following questions when deciding where a new garden location will be:

  • What is the direction of the sun in relation to the potential location?
  • Are there Structures Around the area?
  • Is there an existing garden in the location or will this be a new garden?

2:     Soil; the foundation of your new garden! 

The health of your soil is as important as the foundation on your home!

  • Work this item in combination with Step 3 as you may have to consistently modify as you determine the types of plants preferred!
  • What is the texture of the soil?
  • What is the drainage of your soil like?
  • What amendments do you need? 

3:     What plants work best in the selected location?

If your primary is veggies plan for time to take care of them!
  • How much time is available for plant maintenance?
  • Will the plants wanted still work in this spot?
  • Tie 1 and 2 together! Is there a need to modify original thoughts on the location or soil?

4:     Landscape

  • Based on 3, What design will support the space?
  • Allowing for proper drainage (Use knowledge from Step 2 for landscaping needs surrounding drainage)
  • Is there a need to add trees or other tall plants to support primary plants?

5:     Planting Time  A: !

Transplanting or Sowing which is best?

  • Transplanting 
  • Direct Sowing

6:     Planting Time B!: 

  • Structures Needed for Plant Support

7:     Watering! 

8:     On-Going Maintenance

  • Trimming
  • Weeding
  • Harvesting

Did this checklist help you? 

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Managing Powdery Mildew

Your walking around the garden looking at the all the beauty and notice this white powder that looks like its floating across your leaves.   What is that?  Well if you have had lots of rain, lots of humidity or have plants growing in a tight spot then you are more than likely dealing with powdery mildew. 

Powdery Mildew showing up on my Gourds!

About Powdery Mildew

Powdery Mildew is a fungal disease that actually has several different strains.  Figures it would want to ensure it is available to a wide variation of plants!  It is most active in temperatures that range from around 68 to 90 degrees nights being the cooler of the range.   This means one will find it more often in their spring and fall beds which is right where my issues are showing up!  It’s also more often to show up during heavy rainy periods with high humidity.

Because there are multiple strains you will not always find it spreading; however, if you have like families of plants together watch out.  It can take over quickly if not cared for.  For example if you plant your Cucurbita together (Squash, Pumpkin etc) what ever strain hits one will quickly spread to the next.

Powdery Mildew on my pumpkins which are growing right next to cucumbers

What is on your Zinnias (another plant that is susceptible) will not effect your roses It will however effect other plants that are members of the same composite family.  Powdery Mildew is air born so be careful when removing effected leaves and never place them in your compost.

Easy Tips for Managing Powdery Mildew

  • The most common recipe is Baking Soda(1 tbsp); Dish-washing soap (2 tsp) and one gallon of water.  Spray this on your plants when the sun is low so as not to burn them.  Baking soda can also be strong for some plants so test them one day and check them the next before full application.  Adjust the tbsp down accordingly to 1/2 tbsp if needed.
  • Neem Oil, the pure organic cold pressed oil not what is pre-mixed, is also great.  Mix 1 tsp in with your baking soda. You can also substitute Neem Oil at 2 tsp in place of baking powder.
  • Milk has been reported to help stop the growth of powdery mildew.  I have not tried this recipe. I plan to test it out this month with the issues I have going on right now. I will update on that result!  Mix is 60/40 with milk at 60%.

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Using Sunflower Stalks in Your Garden!

If you’re a Gardner like me you’re always looking for ways to re-use!   One spends so much time and money on their gardens anyway.  Why not find ways to utilize the plants they grow, (outside of the obvious food of course)!  This was my thought when I started investigating using Sunflower or Okra stalks in my vegetable beds.   I mean Sunflowers are just a beautiful addition to any garden and I plant them everywhere!
Skyscrapers along the back
Mammoth Sunflowers by the Arbor
Skyscrapers Around the Pond
Corn and sunflowers

What really grabbed my attention was the size of them.   Some of these plants grow so tall and the stalks are so large that it just seemed right to use them in the gardens if possible.  As a result, over the last season, I have been testing out both sunflower and okra stalks as tepees and as slat holders in my space.  Here are some tips I have learned on reusing these giant plants.

Tips on using Sunflower and Okra Stalks

  • The stalks of the skyscraper sunflowers can range from three to four inches around at the largest point.  Some even get as high as fifteen feet.  These can make beautiful natural poles for beans etc. As such, if they are in the right spot you may consider not cutting them at all.
    Skyscraper Sunflower sawed for drying

    Plant your veining plants at the base of them and allow them to simply crawl their way up.

However, If you need to utilize your stalks in a spot other than where they grew,  pull them up and clean them for drying.

 

  • Utilize a small saw to cut them at the base of the plant.  After removing several of them I found it easier, (at least on the larger plants ) to cut them first and deal with the roots later.

    Saw the stalks at the base of the plant
  • Prepare stalks for drying by removing any leaves, stems, flowers etc remaining on the plants.  Do  NOT cut the leaves or stems all the way to the stalk!  Allow about an inch of length to remain.
    Leave about an inch of the stem on your stalks while cleaning

    This sounds odd; however, once dry this tip hardens, and provides great handles for string, twine or rope.

  • Drying is very important.  Okra stalks were harder to dry.  I lost several to mold while attempting to dry them over the fall and winter season.  The weather was too cold and wet.   Sunflower stalks dried much faster and easier with less loss.   As such if your planning on using Okra it’s best to grow them in the spring and use the summer sun to dry them with.
  • Find a place that has full sun and keep them off the ground.   An arbor can provide the perfect spot!
    Sunflower stalks drying on the arbor

  • Sunflower stalks took about 45 days to fully dry.  At that point they were ready for the garden.
  • For tepees utilize heavy garden twine to tie the stalks together; or, twists that are stable enough to hold them together.  It’s also helpful to dig out the area the  tepees will fill prior to tying them up.

    Once more gourd pic because it’s just cool!

You can find Sunflower and Okra stalks all over my beds.  The larger stalks were used for zucchini and Gourds

Zucchini took up lots of space before the stalks.
Stalks in place, Zucchini now off the ground!
Underestimated the weight of the gourds! Vines were hanging low.
Larger Stalks held the weight lifting them above the plants below them
Once more gourd pic because it’s just cool!
Smaller stalks make perfect bean or cantaloupe tepees.

Overall I have been very satisfied with the beauty and versatility these wonderful plants add to a garden.  Once your flowers are gone, before you throw them out, look around your area and make sure there is not a place their stalks are needed!   Here is a quick video to cover a bit of the content on this article!

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Epsom Salt Once a Month! – Quick hit!

Using Epsom salt in your garden once a month is the easiest way to keep your plants healthy!  Epsom is also one of the cheaper forms of fertilizer you can use.  As such, make Epsom a part of your garden regimen and use it monthly! 

What is Epsom Salt?

Epsom salt is magnesium sulfate and both (magnesium and sulfate) are needed for your plants to thrive.  Magnesium helps with photosynthesis, increases your seeds germination rate and reduces shock when transplanting seedlings into your garden.  Sulfate helps with root growth and the overall strength of your plant.  Both enable your soil to maintain its health, providing a boost of nutrients in both your gardens and your potted plants. 

What plants should use Epsom?

Epsom can be used on almost all plants.  Plants like cabbage, onions and broccoli will actually have a  sweeter flavor with the use of Epsom.  Tomatoes, peppers and roses need it even more and will grow stronger with darker leaves and better flower production if used regularly.  Cole crops, squash, flowers and most other vegetables can also benefit from Epsom. 

How do I use Epsom Salt?

Epsom salt can be used as a foliage spray or placed directly in the soil.   I personally prefer the soil as it is only required monthly and it's easy to add it in the garden.  However, I have used the foliage spray when my plants get larger and I have more to feed.

  • Foliage: A good rule of thumb when using Epsom as a spray for your foliage is 2 tablespoons per gallon of water. Spray this mix on your plants leaves every two weeks.
  • Soil:  If using Epsom in the soil use 1 tablespoon per foot of plant height around the base of the plant and work it into the soil with your hands or a trowel once a month.
  • Potted plants: 2 tablespoons in one gallon of water and use this to water your plants with one time per month.
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