Get set for spring vegetable gardening
Gardeners are at the starting line. Crouched, one hand on the earth, one knee hovering over the ground, the other like a pressed-back spring waiting to propel forward on the count of March 1. It’s the moment so many have been waiting for, and it is here. Let’s just hope the cold nights have passed us finally. Site selection and soil:
Choose a location that receives as much direct light as possible, with at least eight to 10 hours of full sun. If you have full sun on a patio or balcony, then you can garden, too. When there is a choice to be had, morning sun is preferable to afternoon sun. Do not select an area that will compete with nearby trees and shrubs. A nearby water source will make life easier and reduce the chances of grumbling about the task.
Don’t skimp on the soil: Be sure the area has well-drained soil. Sandy loam soils are best for draining well while retaining sufficient moisture. Roots need oxygen. This means the air in your soil is just as important as the soil. Regularly adding compost helps maintain a nutrientrich mixture. If your site is a container, then all the better. You have ultimate control over what your vegetable roots will grow within. Potting soil is a soilless media and provides drainage needed for pots. Add a balanced, slow-release fertilizer upon planting. One week after planting, add a soluble, balanced fertilizer
Plant selection: It never hurts to start small, but if you started small already, then do what you must, even if it means jumping into the deep end … no judgment here! Gardening is an addiction, but one of the best. Just keep in mind that more is not always better.
Transplants vs. seeds: Vegetables to be planted by seed this month: snap and lima bean, corn, cucumbers, mustard, radish and Swiss chard. MidMarch, plant pumpkins, winter and summer squash. It is ideal to plant transplants of tomatoes, eggplant and peppers. Tomatoes will stop producing flowers with night temperatures above 80 degrees. Transplant tomatoes will put you 20-30 days ahead of schedule for maturity. When purchasing transplants, inspect for signs of pests under and over the leaves. If the plant looks weak or leggy, then it is best to pass. All retail stores are not created equal and do not care for their inventory the same. There are always reputable nurseries around that have the expertise to care for their stock.
Irrigation: If you have a drip irrigation system, be sure to check for leaks or clogs before planting. If you do not have a drip system, consider pricing one out to install in stages. It is water efficient, delivers directly where your plants need it and eliminates the need for hand watering. A soaker hose is a more cost effective alternative.
Garden Classes
Composting: Harris County Master Gardeners will talk about the basics of composting. Presented by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and Houston Community College, 10-11:30 a.m. March
7. Free; register for link at hccs.edu/community-learningworkshops.
Organic gardening: Angela Chandler will instruct how to grow vegetables organically in Houston. Presented by Urban Harvest, 9:30-11:30 a.m. March
12. $20; register for Zoom link at urbanharvest.org.
Planting corn: In connection with the Aztec New Year, Houston Botanic Garden will host a Celebration of the Planting of Corn in its Community Garden. The event includes storytelling and dance performances based on Native American myths on seed of the corn. 10-11:30 a.m. March 17. $20 for nonmembers; 1 Botanic Lane; register at hcb.org.