Food For Thought
In my first column, I challenged you to live a Blue Zone-type of life. One of the main attributes of Blue Zone living is to have a garden that can supply you with fresh vegetables free of pesticides. If you don’t already have a vegetable garden, now is the time to put some thought into it.
First, decide where you’re going to put it and what you want to grow.
You should situate your vegetable garden in a sunny (minimum six hours) exposure. It’s also nice to have it near your kitchen. A well-managed vegetable garden can be a focal point of the yard.
Also decide how much time you can devote to it. If you’re just starting don’t overwhelm yourself by making it too large beyond your beginning ability to maintain it. One half day a week should be more than generous for getting the work done in your garden.
When you’ve narrowed down your choice of garden spots, have a soil test done so you know the pH of your soil and what amendments are needed.
The East Coast has mostly acidic soils that need added limestone. This is best added now (or in the fall) so it can work its way into the soil and be ready for spring.
Test different areas of your landscape, depending on what you want to grow, for example, vegetables, fruit, perennials, azaleas or just grass. Order a soil test bag for each area.
To prepare your soil, take six to 10 samples of soil, dug six inches deep, and put them in a clean bucket. Mix it all up and take a cup or cup and a half sample for that area. Each sample test costs $15 from the University of Delaware (152 Townsend Hall, 531 South College Ave., Newark, DE, 19716-2170. Order the proper bags for soil samples: 302-831-1392).
Start now for good growth in the spring.
To make your work easier in the spring, smother grass and weeds with cardboard and at least seven layers of newspapers. Lay flattened cardboard over the newspapers. Weigh it down with branches and water so that what’s underneath will rot. If you layer compost or organic materials on top of the cardboard, it will be ready to plant in the spring.
If your soil is too acidic you need to work the recommended amount of limestone in before covering with cardboard. Dolomitic lime is good to use as it also provides magnesium. If your soil is too basic or a high pH, iron sulfate should be added at the recommended rate. Most vegetables like to be at a pH of about 6.5.
Remember, nothing beats the taste of a just-picked tomato and some fresh basil.