Learn about which vegetables grow well together, plus visit a friend's very special garden.
Vegetables that grow well together in the garden:
- tomatoes & cucumbers
- beans & radishes
- squash & peppers
- greens (chard /kale) & onions
- celery & broccoli / broccoli raab
- carrots & beets
- spinach & peas / snow peas
- varieties of lettuces
]]>Seed tape is a great way to plant small seeds, but the selection available in the stores is quite small. In this episode, Cindy shows you how to make your own seed tape using everyday materials found in your home.
How to Make Seed Tape:
1. Use a tape measure to decide hoe long you would like the tape to be.
2. Use that measurement to cut a strip of 2-ply toilet tissue.
3. Cut the strip in half, lengthwise.
4. Pull the plys of tissue apart, leaving you with 2 very thin pieces of paper.
5. Fold the paper in half lengthwise, making sure to crease the folded edge well.
6. To make the flour paste, put 1/4 cup all-purpose flour in a small dish and add 3 T. of water (1 T. at a time) making sure to stir in each addition with a popsicle stick. Once all the water is added, the paste should be very thick.
7. Choose the seeds you would like to turn into seed tape. On the back of the package, see how far apart the plants should ultimately be. Use that measurement and place blobs of flour paste along one edge of the tissue paper.
8. Place 1 or 2 seeds into the flour paste. Once all the seeds are placed, fold the tissue in half, along the crease, and press the seeds/paste mixture into the paper.
9. Mark the name of the seed on a piece of paper and attach it to the seed tape.
(In this episode, Cindy used Watermelon and French Breakfast Radish seeds, Broccoli Raab seeds, Blended Colors and Little Fingers Carrot seeds, Chiogga and Golden Beet seeds.)
Plant and Trees in Cindy's Garden:
- Dogwood Tree
- Golden Delicious Apple Tree
- Blueberries
- Cherry Tree
- Red & Yellow Raspberries
- Violets
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Planting an EarthBox with Lettuce:
1. Put casters on bottom of box.
2. Take sticker off black grate; place in bottom of box.
3. Fill corners with potting soil; water to moisten.
4. Place water pipe into front part of box.
5. Fill box (just until 2" from the top) with potting soil.
6. Sprinkle package of Dolomite over soil.
7. Fill the box to the very top with more potting soil.
8. Use hand to make 2" deep trough down the center of the box.
9. Pour package of Fertilizer evenly into the trough.
10. Cover the fertilizer with 2" of potting soil; use hands to make compact mound down the center of the box.
11. Cover box with plastic cover.
12. Use sharp scissors and cut 8 X's (4 on either side of the fertilizer strip).
13. Place lettuce one lettue seedling into each hole, spreading the plastic open with hands and making opening in soil. Press plant down into hole, pack dirt around it and make sure the plastic is covering the base of the plant.
14. Move container to area it will grow in, then fill water pipe with water until it begins to drain out the bottom. Spray the plants lightly with water.
15. Check the water level in the EarthBox each day.
Plants in Cindy's Garden:
- Tulips
- Star Magnolia Tree
- Plum Tree
- Cherry Tree
- Gazanias
- Ferns
- Primrose
- Pink & White Azaleas
Vegetables & Herbs:
- Lettuce
- Strawberries
- Dill
- Parsley
- Cilantro
- Chives
- Tarragon
- Thyme
- Rosemary
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Whether you have a large garden, or just want to start a pot of herbs to cook with, here are some basics for starting seeds.
Supplies:
1. Make sure the containers you are using are clean and have drainage holes in the bottom.
2. Place the container on the plastic dish, then fill with potting soil. Pat the soil down.
3. Use watering can to moisten the soil, making sure it begins to drip out of the bottom of the container.
4. Look at the information on the back of the seed packet. Look for "number of days to germinate" and "planting depth." If you are planning to transplant these plants into the garden, also note your growing zone and when it is safe to plant in the garden.
5. Sprinkle a few of the seeds on top of the soil, then sprinkle with additional soil, making sure the seed is covered up per the planting depth noted on the seed packet. Pat the soil down to set the seeds. (If you are planting multiple containers of seeds, you will want to mark the container or use a plant marker so you know the type of the seed in the container.)
6. Use the misting bottle to wet the seeds. Place the piece of plastic on top and place indoors where the temperature is warm.
7. Each day, each to make sure there is water in the saucer and also mist the seeds. Moisture and warmth are key to seeds germinating.
8. Once the seeds sprout, take off the plastic an place the container in a well lit window. Continue to check for moisture each day.
Plants in Cindy's Garden:
- Evergreen Pear Tree (great for zones 9, 10, & 11)
- Lily of the Valley (great for zones 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, & 8)
- Freesias (great for zones 8, 9 & 10)
]]>When your roses aren't doing much growing, it's time to prune. The plant will thank you by producing the most beautiful blooms!
Rose Pruning Tips:
Plants in Cindy's Garden:
- Daffodils (great for zones 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, & 9)
- Roses (great for zones 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, & 9)
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Having flowers and vegetables that grow year round is truly a delight! Cindy Harris shares the secrets she uses to keep her garden growing through all four seasons.
Find your Growing Zone:
Plants found in Cindy's Garden:
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