KATHY’S HOME & GARDEN TIPS – THINK ABOUT THE SUMMER GARDEN

KATHY’S HOME & GARDEN TIPS – THINK ABOUT THE SUMMER GARDEN

Boy I thought last winter was tough with all the snow but this year has it beat. Not as much snow but super cold for so long breaking records! My favorite way to beat the winter blues is thinking about the vegetable garden. Above freezing temperatures for the first time in a while puts me in the mood for gardening.

As soon as the snow melts get digging! The soil should be workable after we have a few weeks in the fifties. Rake up all the debris from the winter. Work the soil with a four tined garden fork to loosen it up after the compacting from the snow. Spread mushroom compost over the soil according to package directions at least an inch deep.

The rest of your work can be done inside. Measure the length and width of your garden plot. Multiply length by width to get your square footage. Use graph paper to plot the garden. One square equals 1sqft. Different plants need more or less space. Tomatoes generally need the most at least 2 sqft. Remember daily sun requirements for the various plants. Tomatoes need the most at least 6 hours although 8 is better. Peppers and cukes need less so will thrive in shadier areas but do need 3-4 hours minimum. Plant cukes in clusters of three or four and plan for them to climb a trellis. Grow lettuce and spinach between the larger plants. Pick frequently to encourage growth. They do well early in the year before it gets too hot.

I don’t start plants from seed too much work but I like to look through seed catalogs for new varieties to try. This is great for flowers too. Pay attention to zones. Some plants don’t do well outside their zone. Chicago is zone 5. Our frost date is May 15^th. This means the danger of frost is unlikely after that date and it’s safe to plant. This doesn’t mean there can’t be frost just unlikely. Almost every year we’re out there covering tomatoes with paper grocery bags but it’s worth it. The earlier they’re in the ground the sooner we have tomatoes.

If you are just starting out don’t go too crazy. Tomatoes peppers and cucumbers are good plants for beginners. Plant a couple of each and see how it goes. Carrots are easy too but make sure to till the soil well and plant shorter varieties. Keep the garden well weeded to ensure all the nutrients are going to the veggies and not the weeds. Nothing is more calming after a stress filled work day than pulling some weeds.

KATHLEEN WEAVER-ZECH & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO