From a Tiny Seed

I took a trip to The Home Depot over the weekend to shop for the seeds I'll be using for this summer's garden. It was nice to see so many people around the display, pondering the selection. I wonder if these folks have always purchased seed or if it's a result of the current economic and environmental "situation" we are in.... Such was my pondering in addition to pondering the seed selection.

I want to keep this garden as simple as possible, showing that just about anyone can achieve results with a little planning and work. My selection includes a few easy flowers and basic, easy to grow vegetables. Summer squash, green beans and cucumbers. I will be planting tomatoes, but I buy plants instead of seeds...just a bit easier and I get a jump on the growing season without having to set up my own seedling bed indoors.

The green beans are a bush type which will save on space. Others are vines and would take up entirely too much space in the small plot that I have prepared. The cucumbers are vines, and will need a vertical space on which to grow, for they will spread across the ground and end up covering walkways, driveways and lawn. This is could pose a challenge for many reasons, but weeding (the most important) would be hampered and later in the year you'll be glad the vines are up and not out!

Also, when you are shopping for your seeds, pay close attention to the growth habits of the plants, days to maturity and lighting requirements. For those veggies that have a short period to maturity, you may be able to plant a second crop later in the season and get twice the yield! Other varieties may take most of the growing season to mature, while others MUST be started indoors before the season. You may opt to purchase these in plant form for your garden....bell peppers (one of my faves) comes to mind.

Also, other plants require cool weather in order to thrive: lettuce, carrots, beets, broccoli, etc. In my USDA zone, these can be planted in late winter to be harvested in early spring. Your zone may be snow covered...again, check the seed packet for details about your zone and when to plant.

It still have not made up my mind about the cultivator. I think I want an electric model because it is cleaner and quieter. Once I have the cultivator and dry soil, I will be back outside breaking up and amending the soil with compost. More to come!