Gardening Tip: Getting A Jump On Spring

Gardening Tip

Try these ideas to get a head start on your spring garden.

Try wintering over a late planting of lettuce by covering it with a
foot of loose hay. This also works for other crops such as greens
and parsley, but the flavor will be stronger.


In areas where the ground stays frozen all winter, try planting a
crop of peas after the ground has frozen. You'll get a big jump on
the next growing season.


To warm the soil more quickly, cover the ground with clear plastic.


Many plants can be started indoors from seeds, then transplanted
to the garden when the soil warms. Some plants that start easily
from seeds are cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and
lettuce. Some other plants are more difficult to start from seeds.
They require just the right amount of sunlight and water, as well as a
warm environment. These include peppers, eggplants, tomatoes,
celery, petunias and begonias just to name a few. Find out more in
Starting Plants from Seed.


Hotbeds and coldframes are great season extenders. Oregon State
University Extension Service has an excellent article on Constructing
Coldframes and Hotbeds available online in Acrobat Reader format.


Hot caps act as little greenhouses for tender young plants. They can
be purchased at your garden supply store, or you can make your own
from gallon milk jugs. Cut the bottom from the milk jug, and anchor it
firmly to the ground over your plant. Leave the lid off to allow air to
circulate.


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