February is when we can begin planning our vegetable gardens. Hunters and anglers need more than meat to sustain our outdoor lifestyles. The veggies, beans, peppers, and goodies from the gardens make our hard-earned wild game and fish tastier and healthier.
Here are some ideas on how to Make a Garden Great Again!
Critique Last Years Garden What did best and where was it planted? What produce did you use and what was not worth the space? What new goodies would you like to try?
Get a Soil Test You may not need more fertilizer. Once the soil is evaluated, you will know.
Make a map Consider where the light, moisture, shade, and protection are in your garden. Plant accordingly. Consider spacing and numbers of plants needed.
Start your seeds Depending upon your growing region, start with cold weather plants first. Begin the seedlings within the proper growing season limitations.
Add new soil new mulch and soil adds natural nutrients to the garden. Till and aerate.
Consider watering improvements Consistent watering can really help. Use targeted water lines.
Consider Raised Beds These separate gardens are easy to maintain and require less care.
Elevate your plants Tie up the plants to allow air flow. Fruit that ends up laying in the soil is vulnerable to pests, rot, and disease. Trellis, wire frames, and arched structures work well.
Create a Frost Plan Planting early is a gamble. Have covers ready just in case.
Once you have a plan, you can begin getting the seeds that you will start. If you only need a few plants, maybe just buy a few started plants when in season. If you enjoy tomatoes, consider some new varieties. Heirloom Tomatoes are smaller but grow faster with higher yields. You can plant too many of one thing. Consider just how many zucchinis you really need. Maybe plan on planting pumpkins that you can give away for Halloween. There are so many things to do. Make a list of what needs to be done to prepare the soil.
Dig It!
Montana Grant
