i have never done it before, but i would really like to start a vegetable/fruit garden. i live in southern missouri, is it too late to start one? and can you give me tips on how to keep it going?
2007-04-23 06:43:52 · 5 answers · asked by atreyu17244 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Garden & Landscape
Nothing satisfies like bringing in a plump red tomato from ones own garden.
You need to check you soil fist but Missouri is known for quality loam so you will probably not need lots of amendments. A general recommendation is: Add as much composted (rotted) organic material as you can afford. It is almost impossible to add too much.
Fertilizer comes in various forms (pellets, powder, liquid) and many nutrient ratios. I recommend Whitney Farm Organic Life Link Tomato & Vegetable Food (4-5-3)
Gardens, once arranged into beds, do not need to be deeply tilled every spring or fall. Rototillers can reduce the physical effort in soil preparation and cultivation, but they also can ruin good soil structure. A compacted layer can form just below where tines bite into the soil. The ideal use for them is creating a new bed. Cover your beds with mulch each fall to prevent weeds.
Most weed seeds required light to initiate germination. All the old stories about planting by moonlight are correct it will mean fewer weeds during the year. Of course we don't plant at night now but just don't till up the weed seeds and cover the soil with mulch regularly to keep them in dark.
I like to use the catalogs like http://www.cooksgarden.com/
http://www.kitchengardenseeds.com/
but try looking through this list http://www.gardeningplaces.com/seeds.htm
You are not to late to buy starts for the tropical, warm weather crops like tomatoes. Fall is another time to plant cool weather crops.
Your average last & first frost dates
Jefferson City - Apr 28 - Oct 16
St. Louis - Apr 3 - Nov 6
2007-04-23 08:03:03 · answer #1 · answered by gardengallivant 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No you are not late. In fact it is a bit early to plant most vegetables or annuals outside in Calgary. You can start with some seeds planted in pots indoors, vegetable or flowers, and they will be nice sized when you are ready to set them out after the last frost. There are dozens of gardening sites online. Spend a little time reading up on methods and tips from other gardeners.
2016-05-17 06:04:00 · answer #2 · answered by christin 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Fruit trees take several seasons to produce - but berries work well. You are also not too late to plant most vegetables. Veggie gardens do require a lot of maintenance - weeding & pest control especially -- but it really just becomes part of your daily routine. Plant a variety over the next couple of years and see what works well for you. Also, this is a great conversation starter as you get to know your neighbors.... :>)
2007-04-23 06:57:20 · answer #3 · answered by tracymoo 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Hi Atreyu17, before you start a garden check Mel Bartholomew's book from your local Library. It's called "The All New Square Foot Gardening". If not, try checking his site "www.squarefootgardening.com". It will give you a lot of tips, if not the easiest way to put up your garden. I am switching to this method now my self. This technique will save us a lot of grief, especially the beginners and the terrified gardeners. I'm sure you'll find it never too late to put up a garden. I hope this info helps. Have fun and welcome to the world of gardeners.
2007-04-23 07:05:18 · answer #4 · answered by egan 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think you can find great help in:
www.gadwood.com\index1.html
hope you find your target
2007-04-27 01:32:10 · answer #5 · answered by body 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋