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Five Steps to Successful Gardening
Bedford, MA (May 2009) -- Gardening has become one of the fastest growing pass-times as increased unemployment provides more free time and the desire to save on grocery bills. According to statistics, more than one in four U.S. households now grows vegetables. Gardening is a way to spend some family time, teach responsibility and engage children in producing their own fruits and vegetables. However, mosquitoes pose a problem as many gardeners prefer to be out during dawn and dusk, the peak times for these biting pests. Mosquito borne illnesses are a real concern for juveniles and seniors, who make up more than 25 percent of vegetable gardeners. It is wise to use a repellent spray or a ThermaCELL appliance to keep the mosquitoes at bay.
The secret to successful gardening is following these five simple steps.
- Test Your Soil
Since soil health is necessary for successful growing, it is recommended to have your soil tested to find out what nutrients it is lacking. Testing soil involves sending samples to a laboratory for analysis. Unger recommends the soil tests offered by the University of Massachusetts (http://www.umass.edu/plsoils/soiltest or 413-545-2311). A standard soil test costs $9; a test that also analyzes the amount of organic matter in your soil costs $13. Once you have an analysis of your soil’s components, you can add the needed fertilizers.
- Dig the Dirt
To create a garden, either build a raised bed with a sturdy frame on top of the ground out of wood, concrete blocks or another material, and then fill the frame with soil and compost. Or, place markers in the soil and remove the sod first, adding it to a compost pile. Next, get rid of the weeds and till the soil to a depth of several inches. Good drainage is important so it may be necessary to mix-in some sand. Once the plants are in place, mulch with leaves or other organic materials to reduce water evaporation and discourage weed growth. Using composted material (such as kitchen scraps) in your garden improves the texture of the soil and adds organic matter, serving as a great natural fertilizer.
- Make a Plan
Develop a layout or sketch of what you want your garden to look like. Break your garden into areas for growing vegetables and others for colorful flowers, shrubs, trees and foliage. Notice the path of the sun, so you can avoid shadows during part of the day and plant taller varieties where they won't shade shorter plants. Bring your plan with you when purchasing plants and seeds and have an expert at your gardening center make suggestions and help you find your seedlings. Remember to stagger your planting schedule when possible to avoid your full harvest ripening at the same time.
- Have the Right Tools
Just as important as having the right rake, hoe and spade, now gardeners need to be equipped with mosquito repellent. Gardeners enjoy that ThermaCELL area mosquito repellent devices are portable and butane-powered while providing 98% protection from biting insects within a 15 x 15 foot radius. For more information on ThermaCELL’s products, visit www.thermacell.com.
Gardening Statistics
Here are some statistics* that reinforce the growing popularity of gardening:
- More young people, age 18-34, are gardening, spending more than any other group on vegetable plants.
- Herb gardening continues to grow at a strong pace, with more than 15 million households planting herbs.
- Gardening is becoming less seasonal with an increase in the popularity of cool season vegetables.
*SOURCE: b2 ideas; Copyright 2008 Market Wire
http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/emailprcntct?id=E09B9357AF16D75F
**SOURCE: http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/living/home/story/700656.html
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