I would like to introduce myself, my name is Denise Maize, and I am the doer of all things lawn & garden at Ace Hardware of Ramona. I have been asked to do a weekly Garden Blog for the Patch. I have never done this before so here goes my first attempt. I hope it will educate, enlighten and excite you about gardening. Each week you will find helpful tips for your garden projects.
Spring...ahhh that magical season, blooming colors, Easter, Mothers Day...and yes longer days & warmer weather! Time to plant your garden. Here are a few "Did you knows" to get you started:
- Did you know that kids are more apt to eat their veggies if they helped to grow them? It's true...so get them involved! (I can't promise that they"ll eat their spinach, but they may surprise you and eat their broccoli) You can start your kids off with their own little green house, complete with plant seeds and instructions. Sign them up for the "Future Ace Gardener Kids Club". Just bring them to the ACE Lawn & Garden shop and ask the Garden Representative.
- Did you know that when you rinse your empty Milk Carton you should use the milky water to water your tomatoes? It's true! Tomatoes need calcium to help them grow hardy and produce a better crop. It's a cheap fertilizer.
- Did you know that the I use to plant Corn, beans and squash together? It's true. They called them the Three sisters" The beans use the corn as a trellis and shade the squash, while the squash keeps the ground cool. The beans help to replenish the soil with food for the others. Squash vines also help to repel corn pests. Remember to plant your corn first and let them get about 12 inches before you plant your beans. Then mix in your squash among them.
- Did you know that Worm Castings are a natural soil amendment? It's true. They bring the soil pH level back to a 7 (which is neutral). They are great for your garden, rose bushes and your lawn. They also help build up a tolerance in your plants to white flies and aphids. They are a natural fertilizer and won't burn your plants.
Well I hope this first blog gives you some fresh ideas. Happy Gardening!
