Along with making personal resolutions to perhaps lose weight or get out of debt this year, why not resolve to create a garden plan? A garden plan will not only help you map a good garden layout, but will also keep you on track throughout the year for planting and fertilizing schedules, saving you money in the long run.
So, if you plan on growing a garden this year or want to improve on your existing one, then RESOLVE to make a plan. Here are some steps to help get you on track:
1. RESOLVE now to create a plan. Design a layout. Find plants that will fit in areas that need sprucing up or maybe try out something new. There are many resources available to help in creating a garden plan such as: a garden journal, garden planning websites and apps.
A garden journal can be a notebook, calendar, organizer or loose leaf sheets in a folder or binder; whatever best keeps your ideas and plans together so you can have a successful garden. If you're tech-savvy, then an online website or app may work for you. Here are some popular websites and apps for garden planning:
Smart Gardener is a free online vegetable garden planner. It tracks your plan and sends you "To Do" reminders, too. The site also makes plant recommendations for your area.
SproutRobot is a zip code-based online garden planning service that is free to sign up. For an annual fee, SproutRobot will also mail you the seeds.
GrowVeg is a premium online tool for garden planning. You must purchase a subscription, but there is a free trial. For you high-tech iPad-using gardeners, GrowVeg.com has also created an iPad app called Garden Plan Pro that has received rave reviews.
Garden Puzzle is a 3D online visual planning tool for your garden or landscape. It allows you to put specific plants in a background to see what the end result will actually look like. There is a subscription fee for the service.
The Alabama Cooperative Extension Service also offers a 28 page downloadable guide called The Alabama Vegetable Gardener complete with planting chart and valuable planting information. It's a great tool with lots of useful information for the Alabama gardener.
2. RESOLVE to keep your soil healthy. The condition of your soil determines the growing success of your plants. Get your soil tested now, so you know what organic matter and fertilizers are needed. Soil testing can be done through the Auburn University Soil Testing Laboratory.
3. RESOLVE to plant the right plants this year! Don't order that pretty tropical plant you saw on vacation last year that needs year-round 80 degree temperatures and swamp-like watering conditions in the summer, if you live in central Alabama. Research the plants before you buy. Buying native is great, but if you plant it in the wrong location, you'll still end up with a dead plant and wasted money.
4. RESOLVE to conserve water when planning your garden. Group plants with similar water needs together. Look for plants that need little water or are native to the area. Water plants early, before the temperatures begin to rise, to avoid evaporation and root rot or mildew.
5. RESOLVE to look for disease or pest-resistant varieties of plants. Not only will it save you money on fungicides and pesticides, but it will also keep surrounding plants healthier.
6. RESOLVE to mulch, mulch, mulch. It's a very inexpensive way to conserve water and inhibit weed growth. Mulching makes your garden look great, too.
7. RESOLVE to explore other methods of pest and weed management. Remember, some chemicals can be detrimental to the health of surrounding plants and beneficial bugs. Harmful chemicals can also get into ground water through run-off.
Companion planting is a method of grouping specific plants together to naturally ward off pests. To learn more, take a look at Companion Planting.
8. RESOLVE to enjoy your garden this year by planning now. Statistics show that those who do make a resolution in the new year are ten times more likely to achieve their goal. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning and planting your garden!
