Hidden Dangers in Kids Meals (Pt. 1)

March In The Garden~

February ending until mid March is time in limbo if we are talking gardening, at least in my area...the Southeast.

Some things we can do that will help the transition from waiting to digging are really very important, although they don't compare to what's coming !

Be cautious about cleanup around your plants right now...too much disturbance and you will weaken the protection they need from the last cold spell that is sure to come.

Today I pulled early Vetch from around the base of the greenhouse, got all the potting material set up in the potting shed and greenhouse, and picked up/removed dead branches that were not attached to anything from all the beds.

Put potted plants outside for a day of sun and watering...back in the Gh or basement tonight.

The coming week will find me pruning roses, Crape Myrtle, and Butterfly shrubs...these are hardy to pruning now....remember, when you prune your roses, make the cut an inch or so above a bud nodule, on an angle , facing toward the direction the bud is growing. After you cut the stem, drop a bit of wood glue into the little hole...this keeps water. snow, and insects from getting down into the stem and causing damage.

Remember that butterfly bushes only bloom on new wood, so be sure to cut all the dead branches from last year, they will grow and fill in quickly.

Crepe Myrtle is also one that just needs the dead wood trimmed, kinda depends on how you have allowed them to grow and shape...mine are trees, so not much pruning needed. If you have more shrub shape then a bit more clipping may be in order.

Also...if you are sowing seed to plant out later that can be done now...most things need 6 to 8 weeks to grow before planting out. ( transferring from seedlings to larger pots or the ground.
If you plant now you need a greenhouse or some form of protection with light and heat to help the germination and growth process.

See you in the Potting Shed soon~

Bea Kunz

PS: I have a request if you would kindly allow me...

Go to this link and vote for my niece ( Lindsay ) vote only once and the voting ends on the 1st of March.

http://www.cakerysuppliescontest.com/

Thank you from my heart~

Planting Your Gardens By The Moon Phases~

The concept of planting by the moon is not a new one. It has been practiced since ancient times, dating back to the Babylonian era. Some of this thinking is embedded in astrology. Astrology is a science that believes the moon influences many areas of our lives. In our gardening example, there are some scientific roots. The gravitational pull of the moon influences tides and ocean levels. Water is also pulled upw

ard in the soil by the same gravitational forces. This in turn, brings moisture to newly planted seeds.

~Using the concept of Planting by Phases of the Moon:

Plant above ground crops during the "Waxing" or rising moon. This is a period of increasing light from the new moon to the full moon.

Plant root crops during the "Waning" or declining moon. This is from the full moon to the new moon when the moonlight is declining.


Does It Really Work~

Scientific studies have shown this gardening concept has merit. I am a 4th generation farmer who totally believes and practices the concept.

There are variations of any set practice, so do your research, try it in your own gardening project and decide for yourself.

The link here is the best informational/explanation I have found.

http://kaykeys.net/spirit/earthspirituality/moon/moonseed.html
~
Sage Hill has begun the process of spring layout and planting...let us know if we may help you in your plan. The photo is a garden at Sage Hill...planted in the full moon cycle last year.

Bea Kunz
Sage Hill Farms
http://www.sagehillfarmsandvintagestore.com

February's Garden~

Well, not much to report...if, one is expecting green and bloomers~

But...doesn't mean there isn't a lot to ponder and actually "do."

When is the last time you turned the compost.....
Do you have trees, shrubs, and fruit trees that accept pruning this month....
Crepe Myrtle , and some fruit trees can be pruned now. ( research your needs before pruning )
Grape vines should not be pruned after late January...

You can also lime the parts of the garden that is in need of same.
A simple soil test can give you the answer to what your soil needs for the crop you are planning.
Soil test kits can be found in any good garden center, co-op, and even big box stores like K-mart, Home Depot, etc.

This is a good time lightly fork in some compost also...if your soil isn't too wet.
Never work wet soil, it will dry rock- hard and lumpy.

Depending on where you are, herb beds can be cleared of dead and damaged residue from the winter, just don't do any cutting or pulling of roots.

Now...time to chart the course for the new spring...literally...on paper.
I can promise, when you put your ideas on paper you are 100% better equipped to begin a new project, or build on one already in progress.

If planning to build raised beds...outline the material you need, choose the location ( full sun )
consider size and what you are going to plant/grow.
If growing different herbs in one bed...always place the taller ones in the back and on the north side of the bed. This will allow sunlight to all the smaller plants and give some protection from the northern elements.

Roses will be ready to plant in a few weeks, so maybe start a rose garden, they are beautiful and makes for a very special connection to your gardens. Rose beds make lovely memorial grounds...ours are in honor of mine and my hubby's mother...both were rose lovers and growers.

I also love the practice of naming each garden spot, or at least some of them......this is especially fun when you have plants in your landscape from friends and/or other special places.

And...always make room in your landscape/gardens to provide a special resting place for pets and tiny creatures who do so much to brighten our gardens/life.

So, as you can see, February is the month for whatever is fitting in your world.
Look closely and you will find a place to begin a project that could become a "bliss" point in your life.

Waiting for spring...loving the wait....most days:)



Bea Kunz
Sage Hill Farms