What to Do Now in the Garden
Winter
After the autumn leaves have fallen and the cold weather approaches, it is a great time to tuck in the garden for the winter and begin planning for the next growing season. If you have a garden already or are planning one for next year, there is plenty you can do now to prepare for spring planting.
If you already have a garden, whether it is a plot of earth or a container on your fire escape, add some leaves to the soil. This will provide food and insulation for worms and other soil organisms, and add valuable nutrients to help you grow healthy plants. Also, if you have perennials in your garden, this layer of leaf mulch will protect the roots from the cold weather while the plants are dormant. Work the leaves into the top layer of soil with a hoe or shovel to break them down faster and keep them from blowing away, but be careful not to disturb the roots.
If you are planning to start gardening in the spring, you can stake out your spot now by contacting a community garden member in your area or simply finding a suitable spot in your yard. For container gardeners-to-be, keep your eye out for pots or other materials while they are not in high demand.
Now is also a great time to start planning what you want to grow next season. Seed companies usually begin taking orders in December or January. Order early while all of the varieties are in stock. Two great organic seed sources for the Northeast region are Fedco Seeds, in Maine, and High Mowing Seeds, in Vermont.
As a novice or a seasoned gardener, take the time to explore the possibilities for next season while the garden is dormant. Planning a little bit now will make spring planting easier and much more enjoyable.
By Flora
Watering Houseplants
A common mistake people make in caring for houseplants is watering them too much or too little. When indoor plants are given too much water they become susceptible to diseases and pests. However, waiting too long to water causes plants to become weak and stressed. If a plant begins to wilt or the soil draws away from the edges of the pot, it is not being watered frequently enough.
An easy way to find out if you need to water a plant is to check the soil an inch below the surface with your finger. If it is dry, the plant most likely needs water. Check each pot individually because plants consume water at different rates.
Make sure your houseplants are in pots with holes in the bottom. When a plant needs to be watered, add water slowly until it drains out of the pot. After an hour or so, empty the tray beneath the pot so the plant is not sitting in water.
There are some exceptions to this watering technique. Cacti require very little water due to their water-storage capability. Succulents need less water than other houseplants for the same reason. Orchids, on the other hand, prefer humid conditions and need to be watered regularly. If you have questions about a specific plant’s needs, there are plenty of resources out there. However, the watering technique described above will work well for most houseplants.
By Flora
Welcome back your birds!
Be sure to stock up on bird seed and refill your bird feeders now that spring has sprung. Store bird seed in glass or aluminum containers to keep other animals (mice, squirrels, raccoons, etc.) from getting to it first.
Start seeds indoors: Most of us have probably had some experience with planting seeds. The basics haven't changed: fill a clean pot with good dirt, make a hole with your finger, place seed inside, cover with dirt. Here are some tips, though, for how to avoid some common mistakes and how to make sure your plants are ready to be transferred outside, if you're adding them to your outdoor garden:
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Be sure your pot has good drainage. If the pot doesn't have a hole at the bottom, line it with broken pieces of another clay pot or with shells.
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Wet soil before adding seeds. The dirt should be moist, but not soaking.
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Use fresh seeds. If you've had a packet of seeds sitting around for a year, you probably won't get the results you're after.
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Be sure to expose the plants to as much sunlight as possible and keep away from cold drafts. (Note, there are some plants that prefer the darkness, so check your seed packet directions to double check.)
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If you plan on transferring a potted plant outside, warm it up to the idea. The transition from house to garden should be gradual, with the plant spending some time outside during the day at first and coming inside at night. When it is time to replant it (after the last frost), be sure the soil is once again damp, but not wet, and the hole for the roots is big enough.
The best way to avoid the organic vs. non-organic decision?
Grow your own produce! Vamp Amanda has an AeroGarden which lets you easily grow herbs and lettuce indoors without taking up too much room. Writes Amanda, “you can get it at Bed, Bath and Beyond. I grew the starter herbs and now I am working on salad greens, next is baby greens :) It's very cool, and easy.”
