Time to get that garden started that you’ve been dreaming of all Winter. This year will be better than previous years because we learn. Every year we learn a little more and grow a little better and smarter than we did before.
Some veggies seem to produce better planted next to other specific veggies, while some combinations prevent vigor and produce.
This year, I am moving my garden to a new spot, at least to a spot that hasn’t been used for seven years.
I considered growing my strawberries in a row next to my cabbage. Also, I was going to place my tomatoes in the same row as cabbage, spaced well since they’ll grow at different times.
Now I have learned that it pays to check it out before I place the effort in a new idea. Nothing is more aggravating than getting into June – July to find the garden isn’t doing well. Sure enough, my research found that strawberries, cabbage, and tomatoes are not a good mix.
Source: http://www.nodigvegetablegarden.com/
Also, don’t sow your peas or beans close to your chives or garlic. They’ll all disappoint you. However, onions like to be near cole crops, lettuce, strawberries and tomatoes. No wonder those onions grow so well!
I also understand that the moths who lay eggs on the cole crops and tomatoes avoid celery. Now I understand we do not grow a good tasting celery here in the Ozarks. I think I’ll sow some beside the cabbage. Who cares about yielding the celery. I just don’t like to share my cabbage with the caterpillars!
I’ve planted marigolds next to the tomatoes to attract the lady bugs. Two years ago, I decided the marigolds that I had planted between the tomatoes to attract the lady bugs did not work. The lady bugs were losing the war. Last year, I chose to omit the marigolds, thinking the lady bugs would not be beneficial. I had more bugs! I decided they must have been doing something right. This year, I will do marigolds and nasturtiums.
Nasturtiums repel bad bugs. Plus, they make a good salad.
Rhubarb likes cabbage. That works for me! But remember, the rhubarb will be there long after this year’s garden is finished. Place it in an area that you can avoid using the plow. Next year, it will serve you very well.
This year, I’ll move the garden and try to create some harmony among the vegetables. No fussing, please.
~ Pat Scammahorn, efficacious gardener and member of Wickman's Nursery Sales staff
Couldn't make it to Wickman's for the Organic Gardening seminar? Well, we're working on making information from our seminars available online!
Of course, we know you won't have the advantage of hearing all Jeannie LeJeune's expert commentary or the question and answer sessions on organic gardening. You can view the on-screen presentation though.
Every day we're ALL learning a little more about gardening, ecological stewardship ... and the advantages of using the web to distribute 'handouts' on various subjects. Saves SO much paper & ink, plus it's all there for you to read then choose to discard or save at your discretion and convenience!
Just right click on this link and choose "Open in New Window'. You'll be opening a PDF copy of the Power Point presentation from our Organic Gardening seminar - stored on Google Docs. (We're learning more about that 'resource' too! )
Questions? Send an email to info@wickmans.com and we'll try to help!
We all know that health concerns and the economy have had a tremendous affect on gardening and landscape trends across the country. In fact, it seems like we're ALL interested in growing some types of vegetables, fruit trees and berries now!
We've got container grown blueberry and blackberry plants in stock now, plus some great looking bundles of bare root strawberry plants. The potted berry plants can go out in the garden now and will tolerate seasonal temps just fine. If a serious cold snap should be forecasted, mulch piled over the plants will see them thru in good shape.
Now is also a good time to plant fruit trees. Our 2011 spring shipment of trees has not arrived yet, but we DO have some very nice plum, peach and nectarine trees that were carried over in inventory from last fall. These trees all have a very well established root system. Most are in biodegradable fiber pots, making them very easy to transport and plant. Please call if you'd like us to tag any of these established trees for you!
We're excited about our new 'Botanical Interests' seed offering too ... lots of organic vegetable seed, plus a variety of packaged seeds for year round 'sprouting' indoors! Wickman's Garden Center manager hand-picked the varieties for this seed rack, so you'll find a number of her favorites along with many familiar cultivars.
For daily updates, check our facebook page!
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