Mar. 4 Column: Preparing to Garden

Boy, the past week sure went fast! But now it’s Sunday and time for my next column and video. This week’s column is about preparing to garden. Here is a link to it in today’s edition of The Spokesman-Review: Not time to plant,  but it is time to plan.

In it, I discuss hardiness zones, frost-free days, light requirements for most vegetable crops (including some ways to cheat!), floating row cover and crop rotation. Yup, there was a lot to cover this time around but I’m trying to lay a good foundation so you will have a successful, productive garden this year.

Unfortunately, my garden columns are only 600 words long and that never seems to be enough to clarify everything (the bane of my existence!). But that’s the beauty of shooting a video to pair with each week’s column because it gives me the opportunity to further explore the topics I write about.

So let’s dive right into this week’s video:

I also wanted to include a link to the USDA plant hardiness zone map for you. All you have to do is type in your zip code and you’ll learn the zone you’re in, the average minimum winter temperatures and maximum high temperatures. Keep in mind, however, that areas within a region can vary so be observant of the conditions where you live, talk to other gardeners who live near you, and contact your local Master Gardeners for information on the average last spring frost date and first fall frost date.