“Victory Gardens” were commonplace during times of war. People planted food gardens of vegetables, fruits and herbs at their private residences and community parks and gardens. These gardens were planted not only to supplement food rations, but also to boost morale. Gardeners can feel empowered by their contribution of labor and rewarded by the produce grown. Getting out in the garden is great for both your physical and mental health.
What better time to do that then now? Here is some great information to help you get started!
- Know your growing zone.
– We in Central New York have many zones; ranging from 3b-4a in Northern Oneida and Herkimer Counties, to 5b in Southern Oneida and Madison Counties. Refer to the USDA Hardiness map to see where your home falls so you can choose the best plants for your site (https://greenscapesgardencenter.com/planting-guide/hardiness-map/). On average, our last Spring Frost occurs around the second week of May.
– At GreenScapes, we stock only the hardiest, northern grown trees, shrubs and perennials to ensure you have success in your gardening and landscaping projects.
- Make a list of the items your family enjoys eating.
– Determine how much produce your family can reasonably consume during key harvest times. How much zucchini will your family really need? Should you plant 2 plants or 4 plants? What about apples? Tomatoes? Blueberries?
– Decide if you have the resources to freeze or can excess produce (if so, then you can grow more!). There are many online resources for canning, drying, curing and freezing produce and which varieties fare well.
– Ask us for our recommendations of easy to grow plants, hardiest varieties, and best plants for your site.
- Decide which of these plants you will grow.
– Review the planting calendar for your area (from the Old Farmer’s Almanac https://www.almanac.com/gardening/planting-calendar/zipcode/13492).
– Of your list of favorites, determine which crops can be grown early then replaced with summer crops then replaced again with fall crops. For example, planting peas in the spring, then tomatoes in the summer and back to peas for the fall. Just make sure you use fertilizer to replenish the nutrients in the soil between crops.
– What plants need pollinators? Most fruit trees and berry shrubs will need at least 2 varieties for best results. Fruit trees and shrubs may need more space than most vegetables, but once established, they will keep producing year after year without re-planting.
- Plan your garden space (in-ground, raised beds, containers) accordingly.
– Make certain the location is in an area that gets plenty of sun for the crops you choose.
- Know your soil, and buy good quality gardening mixes. (ex. Potting Soil for container gardening, Complete Planting Mix for raised beds and in-ground.)
– Our Planting Guide will guide you in the process and assures success.
– Consider adding soil fertilizers. Plant Tone, Flower Tone, Bio Tone and Soil Acidifier are great additions to most gardens and landscapes; we’d be happy to help you choose the best combinations of soils and fertilizers for yours.
- Follow suggested planting dates.
– Refer to the planting calendar for your area. Typically, you can transfer starter plants outside in mid-late May, check out the frost dates in the area.
– Review the planting calendar for your area (from the Old Farmer’s Almanac https://www.almanac.com/gardening/planting-calendar/zipcode/13492).
- Don’t forget to include pollinator-friendly flowers to ensure your fruits and vegetables are properly pollinated.
– Add bee, butterfly and bird friendly perennials and flowering shrubs for best results.
– “Companion Plants” (https://www.almanac.com/content/companion-planting-guide) not only add beauty to the garden, but attract all the right pollinators to your fruits, veggies and herbs.
As always, please call us with any questions you may have! 315-736-8733
