New to gardening? Here are some ways to get started
Whether you are new to gardening or have been playing with seeds and soil throughout your life, there is always so much more to learn. What vegetables can weather our summer heat and humidity? How much sun do certain types of plants actually need? What and where should you plant depending on the size of your garden?
We spoke with horticulturalist Felder Rushing, the host of the ‘Gestalt Gardener’ on MPB Think Radio. Every week, Rushing answers listener questions, shares stories and offers advice on different aspects of gardening, such as how to protect plants from sudden drops in temperature and frost.
Rushing’s years in radio have influenced the way he describes that passion. He is quick with metaphors as he covers the ways to avoid common missteps new or even seasoned gardeners can make.
So if you are just getting started or have plants already in the ground, here are some suggestions on how to keep your garden thriving not just in the spring but throughout the year.
Clarion-ledger: What is one of the most common mistakes new gardeners make when planning out their gardens?
Felder Rushing: People try to plant too many things rather than just planting what does well in a small space. Or they try to plant stuff they don’t like to eat that much. You can buy a can of corn for a lot cheaper than all of the time and space wasted on a bunch of rows of corn. Plant high-value things: peppers,
tomatoes, okra, squash, beans. Stick with the stuff that produces a lot over a longer amount of time. Think about the stuff that is most nutritious and that you and your family will enjoy.
Clarion-ledger: When is a good time to start planting, and what should gardeners with less space consider when starting their gardens?
FR: Our average last frost is next week, but we often get frost and snow in parts of Mississippi into April. Generally, we say, don’t put any summer plants in the ground until after the first week of April or Good Friday. Let’s wait till the soil has warmed and the rains aren’t cold. Those are what cause root rot.
A lot of people try to plant like farmers everything at once and in long skinny rows. Make your rows double wide. Also no matter how big your garden is, break it up into two or three individual gardens. Plant one thing in one area, then the other, then the other. If you have a garden that is broken up into individual gardens, as soon as something gets harvested, you will already have another space ready to go. I can replant something before the mosquitoes know I am out there.
Also, always put some flowers out there. Mix up four or five types of flowers and plant them at the end of the rows, and throw in some herbs. Basil is such a pretty plant. Ornamental peppers too. Put it out there ‘cause it’s pretty and makes you smile.
Clarion-ledger: What about starting plants from seed?
FR: Starting things from seed is not for beginners. They try to grow their own transplants indoors without the right light or low humidity. Spend a little extra money and get good ready, healthy plants.
A lot of people don’t realize that in Mississippi and Tennessee, there is enough time between April and fall to have two complete back-to-back gardens. Up North, they only have one shot. So instead of trying to keep a tomato plant alive over the summer, it’s better to plant twice. Pull it up and stick something else in its place. Commercial growers don’t just plant once. Gardeners can do the same thing. Make it a regular process, like keeping the refrigerator stocked.
Clarion-ledger: What are some other resources you’d recommend for gardeners?
FR: The No. 1 source is Mississippi State’s Msucares.com and search Garden Tabloid. It is the No. 1 most accurate source of information about what to plant, where to plant it, and the best variety. It’s free and really accurate information.
There is also a Facebook page called Mississippi Gardening that provides real-time suggestions about what people are doing in their gardens. There’s a lot of nice stuff like that.
The Gestalt Gardener airs on MPB Think Radio Friday mornings at 9 a.m. and Saturday morning at 10 a.m.
This interview was edited for length and clarity.
Maria Clark is a general assignment reporter with The American South. Story ideas, tips, questions? Email her at mclark@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter @Mariapclark1. Sign up for The American South newsletter. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.