• Read the information on the back of the seed packets to know when to plant.
• Count the days backward from time of harvest to when the seeds are first planted to know when to start seeds indoors.
• Cool weather crops may be planted early i.e. beans, cabbage, lettuce, peas, collard greens, radishes, onions, carrots, and kale.
• Ground may be warned up for early planting by laying a layer of heavy black plastic over the area prior to planting.
• Amend soil where necessary before planting.
• When planting, cover large seeds with about 1/2 their depth with soil.  Small seeds need only a small dusting of soil to germinate.
• Mix herbs, marigolds and nasturtiums (as well as other flowers) among your vegetables-companion planting like this deter unwanted garden pests and attract pollinators.
• Plant in blocks instead of rows for better pollination, shaded roots and to maintain more moisture.
• Use row cover (fleece cloth) all season to protect vegetables from hail, insects and intense heat in the summer.  Also helps to retain. moisture.
• Harvest crops when ripe to encourage additional crop production
• Don't let vegetable plants flower and go to seed as this will prevent crop production.
• Do successive plantings at intervals of about two weeks so harvesting will be possible all season.
• Water deeply and thoroughly at the base if at all possible.
• Trench around block or plant to promote water retention.
• If you have only a small area or a garden in a planter, use ice cubes at the base of the plant for some water on a hot day.
• Fertilize vegetable plants about twice per season, but do not over-fertilize.
• Most vegetables can be grown successfully in containers or among other flowers, to confuse insects.

For more information, contact  Phelan Gardens at 574-8058.