Happy Meteorological Spring!
Written By KY Dame Penryn Craig
Having just survived a long, Covid-fueled dark winter of the soul, many of us are eager to resume a semblance of our active lives. Some have taken advantage of Covid to re-evaluate those things most precious to us, and those thoughts often turn to matters of health. Les Dames KY wants to help us all learn new strategies to bolster our health by growing some of our own organic food. Whether you are an experienced gardener or a novice, we will assist you by offering quality, organic, vegetable and herb plants in fun combinations available by pre-order and ready for pick up on May 16. You will no doubt be seeing veggie starts in some markets prior to that date, but we suggest you let us grow out your new seedlings and wait until mid-May to safely plant them in your gardens. Last year there was a killing freeze on May 7th! Until planting time arrives, here are some things you can do to prepare your garden space:
1) Size up your gardening possibilities. More food can be grown in a small area than you may think! If you already have a plot in the ground, you may begin adding organic matter to it now to help feed your soil!
2) You may begin a fun search for new or re-purposed pots and containers. Have some fun and make this a creative quest!
3) If there is no room to prepare a new garden bed, look for a great spot that will get 6-8 hours of sunlight per day in the summer. You may have space in the corner of a deck or patio, or perhaps a wall or a fence where you may grow vertically.
4) In addition to sunlight, think about drainage for your new garden. Saucers for containers or shallow swales to collect and distribute water to plant roots may be sourced or prepared. Many edible plants do not enjoy having wet feet!
5) Think ahead and dream of the recipes and dishes you will be preparing with your own veggies and herbs. Les Dames Green Tables will be sharing recipes and more methods to jump start your ideas, but your imagination will be your best guide.
Take heart! True spring is almost here and we look forward to growing forward with you.
