Do you need a reason to start a backyard garden?

By Kimberly Zewatsky, Kalamazoo Nature Center

this part of Michigan. Farmers call May 15 through May 31 the prime transplanting season. About 80% of plants get put in the ground during that time. That’s a good rule for home gardeners too. Most plants, including frost sensitive flowers, will do well during the last two weeks in May.

One of the few exceptions Clemente says are snap peas. They’re usually planted in early April because they don’t tolerate hot weather very well. Once you decide when and what to plant, you’ll have to consider the soil. “There is so much variability in the soil in Kalamazoo County,” says Clemente. “What might be considered good soil in one area, might not be in another area.” For first time gardeners, it’s generally common to roto till. But after that, you can start to prepare for the next season by smothering your soil in the fall with leaves. Clemente explained, there are all sorts of funguses and microbes in the soil that we kill when we rototill.

Those fungi and microbes form a symbiotic relationship with the plant’s fruits. The plant photosynthesizes and pushes sugars into the soil to feed all those little guys. The funguses and microbes in turn bring nutrients to the plant root.”

Perhaps you’re interested in planting a pollinatorfriendly garden? It’s not that difficult. You don’t have to grow a specific mix, said Clemente. “90% of the flowers people put in their gardens will attract beneficial insects and pollinators. One of the plants I see pollinators land on the most is when my dill goes to seed. They are shaped like flowers and are called umbrella flowers. They’re composed of hundreds of micro flowers, and pollinators and beneficial insects adore them because they have a nice big landing pad.” For additional detailed grower information and supplies, Clemente suggests researching the website johnnyseeds.com.

One last benefit to consider as you plan your garden, new research suggests antidepressant microbes in soil can have a beneficial effect on the way the body manages serotonin. It promises an exciting natural method for treating depression. So, get busy, get happy, by getting your hands dirty in your little garden at home.

Learn more about Kalamazoo Nature Center’s DeLano Farms and farming practices at https://