Like last year, we are experiencing a somewhat warmer-than-normal winter. And with less than a month before we dive into vegetable gardening season, we should get ready.
Last weekend, I took several calls on GardenLine from listeners anxious to get started. Well, you can begin with building the perfect beds. Let them rest ... sort of mellow out ... for up to 30 days, then in February we can cheat Mother Nature in some instances and get certain vegetables started. Suggested planting dates for vegetables you would like to try this year can be found on the Texas A&M Planting Guide.
For years on GardenLine and in my last two books, I've tried to make as simple as this: Make a raised bed of good garden soil — equal thirds of soil, sand and humus (a.k.a. rose soil) — as the basis. It should be at least 6-8 inches, or 10-12 inches even better. Then, amend that with well-composted organic matter/humus/manure at about one inch (tilled in later) to every 4-6 inches of good soil. These days, though, there's an even simpler recipe: Two parts rose soil to one part compost.
Then, lock it in somehow. Use timbers, lumber, cinder blocks or landscape stone. Just lock it in!
I'd like to also suggest some "Rules to Live By" when doing a vegetable garden. Here's my Top 10, prescribed years ago. I think they hold true to this day. Print it and post where you can see it daily, and you'll succeed with veggies in 2013.
- 'Tis better to plant a 25-cent plant in a $5 hole than a $5 plant in a 25-cent hole. (In other words, build proper beds.)
- Compost, humus or organic matter - You say tuh-mey-toh, I say tuh-mah-toh. Whatever you call it, it's a wonderful thing. Use it!
- Ensure good drainage - With our feast-or-famine rainfall, you'll eventually see why this is so important. Or you'll drown your first attempt in a gully-washer.
- Let the sunshine in - Pick a spot that can provide up to 6 hours of sunshine. Filtered light won't cut it.
- Pick proven varieties - Be sure it's approved for our growing region. In fact, check with your County Extension Agent for proven varieties.
- Cheat Mother Nature - Because of our heat, if you can start 'em early, more power to you ... especially if you're willing to protect them on late-freeze nights.
- Control your appetite - Don't over-plant; rein in that desire.
- Feed me, Seymore!!! - Veggies are heavy feeders (Just ask the Audrey II). The compost is a good start and a nice addition throughout, but amend that feeding with some kind of fertilizer, be it granular, liquid-organic or water-soluble.
- Keep your shadow in the garden - Get out there on a consistent basis, looking for insects, weeds and diseases. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
- Consistency, consistency, consistency - Regular watering and repeated feedings are critical. Don't ever allow things to dry up before you water.
The first public event this year where you can meet me in person, get some free goodies, maybe buy a copy of my book, eat lunch with me, and hear things I would never say on the air, is happening this Saturday. We will broadcast the entire GardenLine radio show live 6-10 a.m. from the Stafford Centre and the Sugar Land Home and Garden Show. It's at 10505 Cash Road near Murphy Road.
Now, the doors don't open until 9 a.m., but once they do, you can experience GardenLine in many ways. First, we'll have free product to give away. Great stuff from Soil Mender and stacks of Concrete Donuts, for example. Then, I will be doing a live seminar on their big stage. Ask anyone who has ever been to one, and they'll tell you it's worth the time. Not only do we also give stuff away there, you almost always hear things from me I likely would never say on the air! These seminars are always more candid because they are so very personal.
Three lucky listeners, selected by the garden show, will get to have lunch with me and the GardenLine representatives. And, I'll have copies of my book, "1001 GardenLine Questions," for sale. (This is when they are at their lowest prices of the year.)
Also, be sure to check out the veritable landscape and farmer's market provided by our friends at Enchanted Forest and Enchanted Gardens. You'll find fruit trees and vegetable transplants, herbs, color and much more straight from one of the most unique and trusted nurseries in the area. Lots of good reasons to come on out! See you there!!!
