On the Ranch

Spring is in the air (well, mostly) this month so we are focusing on how to prep your garden for the finest organic fruits and veggies. There are tips from many great sources but these are my picks.

Soil Prep: Don’t be so hasty you don’t work the soil until it is dry enough. (Tip from Organic Gardening: grab a handful of soil and clamp down to form a ball. If the soil crumbles when you release, it should be ready to go. If it stays in clumps, it’s too wet.) Work the soil just enough to reinvigorate it. Then, add organic content (such as compost, etc).

Image from: flower-gardening-made-easy.com

When to plant the seed: Next, understand what crops need what kind of soil temperature and when they should be planted. Different vegetable crops require different soil start temperatures for their optimal growth. See the Farmer’s Almanac for seed start dates int eh Reno/Sparks area. Plant peas, radishes, and turnips now, early next month move to beets, potatoes and swiss chard, and so on.

Image from: northcarolinatravels.com

Water management: Maintaining a consistent level of water in the soil around plants will ensure a more successful and healthy crop. Extreme periods of drought or over watering can do damage.

• Water in the mornings so the plants can take advantage of the water throughout the day.
• Water near the base of the plant or stalk or root, if at all possible.
• Cover the soil with bark, straw, grass, or organic matter to help maintain consistent moisture.

Proper tools: I’m a regular at Clean Air Gardening. I purchased their recycled plastic Tumbleweed composter which is terrific. They have a whole list of environmentally friendly or ergonomic gardening tools to help you get started or to supplement what you already have.

Image from: cleanairgardening.com

Gardening can have many benefits including lowering stress, improve physical health, produce healthy and organic food all while creating a cool microclimate for you and your yard’s wildlife.

Have Fun!
Stacey Crowley, Director of Master Planning and Environmental Initiatives

Join us on May 17 at the Kiley Ranch Welcome Center for more great gardening tips! Check back here for more information to come.

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