Start Preparing Your Garden Now BY JENNIFER BONN
Gardening is therapy for me; I feel a sense of peace among all the greenery. You are probably thinking, it is too early to think about gardening. More cold weather may come our way before we can safely plant outside, but there are some things we can do to get ready, and I want to start preparing as soon as possible.
• Make plans. How will your garden look? Do you have planting beds or plots? Will you expand the garden or go smaller? What will you plant and where? Check the soil pH and decide what you will need to have the best soil for your plants. Count how many bags of soil you will need, and whether you will start with seeds or plants.
• Clean out the junk. Pull out weeds, rake leaves, get rid of old plants, and prepare for the new life. • Do something new. Gardening for me is about having
fun and experimenting. If something doesn’t work, try something different. I don’t think you can fail at gardening. It’s trial and error, asking questions, and learning as you go. This summer, I am going to plant wildflowers all along the perimeter of the backyard. I’m also going to start a strawberry patch surrounded by a stone barrier, and will plant peanuts for the first time.
• Start inside. This is my first time starting plants inside, and
I cannot wait to see what happens. I am starting with lavender, placing the seeds in a plastic bag with soil and putting them in a cold place for three weeks, then in a planter for six weeks.
• Pick your tools. I found a small trimming tool that is perfect for me. Find tools that are easy for you to use. You can find inexpensive gardening tools at dollar stores. • Use your resources. If you know expert gardeners, ask
them for advice. Join a gardening club or an online gardening group where you can ask questions.
• Get children involved. Gardening is a learning experience for children. I enjoy bringing children into my garden and watching their wonder and curiosity. I also like to involve them in the planning by asking their opinions. They love to see the garden in the different stages, and they especially enjoy eating the final product. Jennifer Bonn is a freelance writer in Kennesaw and a recently retired 40-year educator. Her book, “101 Tips to Lighten Your Burden,” was recently released and is available on Amazon.
AROUND KENNESAW | March 2022
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