I took this photo at Monticello a couple of Spring's ago and then just came across a blog post today from a Charlottesville blogger who asked Monticello's Director of Gardens and Grounds how to prepare your garden for Spring. Today was sunny and I got motivated (well, only cleared the sticks, leaves and winter debris but it's a start) For more serious gardeners, here's what she suggests.
- If you have the choice, east, southeast, and south are the three
best exposures. The dew that forms early in the morning will dry up
right away, and no fungi disease will damage your crop.
Don’t work the soil if the dirt sticks to your shovel or tiller. Otherwise the sun will make a brick out of it. - Don’t allow any air pockets around the root system of any seedlings that you transplant into the garden. Press down the dirt around the plant firmly.
- Water your seedlings immediately after you plant them—it will help fill up air pockets and give the plant the moisture it needs.
- Weeds will be your main challenge, so work on keeping the area around the plant weed free from the beginning.
