Things You Can Do in the Dead of Winter to Prepare for a Bumper Crop
We’re about to hit that dead spot…you know, that part of winter where we’re no longer excited by the prospect of snow, when we’ve done all the skiing, skating, snowmobiling and snowshoeing we want to do this year…when we’re starting to think about what it might feel like to actually be warm again…when we’re ready to be outside, digging in the dirt and watching our tomatoes, green beans and cucumbers grow. Though we can’t go out and break ground yet, there are some things we can be doing in the warmth of our homes to get ready for the summer crops.
Step # 1—Evaluate Your Past Successes and Failures
If you’ve been gardening for a year or more, think back on what turned out well last year and what didn’t. Do you know why? Can you grow the same things, but do it differently, and expect a better harvest? Should you consider using a different type of fertilizer? Did your vegetables get too little (or too much) water last year? Did you fight blight or pests of any sort?
Step #2—Map Out Your Garden for Maximum Production and Efficiency
Once you’ve decided whether you’re going to plant the same things again, completely overhaul your planting, of some combination thereof, get out a piece of paper (or use a computer-based tool) to map out how much you’ll plant and where you’ll plant it. Do the necessary research to determine how much space you need around every different vegetable or flower. Calculate what kind of yield you can expect and decide whether you want to grow extra and start canning, or just try to meet the demands of your family and maybe a few friends.
Step #3—Order Seeds, If Necessary
Once you’ve decided what you’re going to plant and put the layout of your garden on paper, get the seeds that you’ll need. You can find just about anything you’re looking for online, from heirlooms to blight and bug-resistant strains. Make certain, however, that the seeds you purchase are for plants that will perform well in your hardiness zone. Most vegetables have adapted to grow well in specific temperature ranges, and with different amounts of sunlight.
Step #4—Stock Up On Mulch, Moss and Other Soil Supplements
You may not be able to find much, but if your local garden or big box store has bags of fertilizer, manure and other soil additives, they’ll probably be on sale, given that demand is down in the winter.
