Winter Update 2011

Winter in New England…if you’re as tired as I am of the snow and cold then I know you’re thinking about spring flowers, summer veggies and even fall fruits. So I thought I’d share some thoughts to get your mind on the warmer months ahead instead of fretting about the latest snow storm to end all snow storms. Since spring is next in line, let’s start there.

The seed and nursery catalogs have been filling up the mailbox over the last week (hopefully this helps keep the USPS in less red ink than usual) so if you’re thinking of starting your own garden this year, or are continuing an existing garden, then now is a good time to start planning for spring. ‘What’s to plan?’ you might ask…’ just throw the seed in the ground and it grows right?’…well not exactly. Soil preparation is most important to a successful crop, whether it be a large garden or just a few tomato pots on the back porch. First, soil pH is crucial to plant health. Blueberries and Strawberries for example prefer slightly acidic soil (add sulfur or blueberry specific fertilizers) while vegetable and fruit trees prefer a more neutral pH (add lime). Inexpensive soil test kits are usually available in garden centers or nurseries. Soil samples can also be sent to the University of MA in Amherst (small fee) for a more extensive analysis. Next up is organic matter. If you have sandy or heavy clay soil then you’ll want to add some organic matter like composted leaves, grass clippings etc. If you use this type of compost it should be well broken down and look like soil itself. Cow and chicken manure are excellent soil enhancers and good organic fertilizers but should be mixed well in the existing soil to avoid burning tender seedlings and roots. Finally starting your own seeds is fun but be sure to check the packaging for the time it takes to from start to harvest as you don’t want to still be waiting for that fresh melon when the leaves are falling in October! Also beware of late spring frosts that can kill tender young plants. Cultivation, weed control, fertilizing, pest control and watering will all be important steps as your garden continues to grow. So visit CN Smith Farm this spring for seeds, seedlings, fertilizers, pest control products, organic compost/manure and good old fashioned advice from experienced growers. You’ll have to excuse me now while I go out and shovel the latest gift from mother nature off the driveway. Don’t forget that all this snow is really nutrient laden water that will recharge our lakes and streams and even our gardens for a bountiful new season.