A Gardener's New Year's Resolutions
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One good New Year's resolution is to take a little time to plan your annual garden before spring. |
We all try to make New Year's resolutions every year. I'm sure we could rattle off a dozen "good intentions" related to our yard and gardens that somehow never get done. This year let's try to be more realistic about our resolutions. Removing all the invasive plants from a hedgerow or forested area on your property may be a noble cause, but is it something you will really have time to do in one year?
Here are some resolutions that I'm considering. Maybe they will inspire you to make some similar ones for your yard. Happy New Year!
Make a plan.
Too often I have the intention to make a planting plan for my gardens, but invariably the plan ends up being what feels right on a warm spring day when I'm planting. This year I will sit down and sketch out a planting plan for my annual and vegetable gardens so I'm ready to go when the soil and weather tells me so.
Clean and sharpen those tools.
Often my hand tools get tossed into the garage at the end of the season and dug out in spring when I need them. This year I will take a little time to clean and sharpen my tools before using them. My back and hands will appreciate the sharper tools that make for easier digging and pruning.
Don't buy too many seeds or plants.
This is a tough one, but I resolve not to overpurchase this year. It's easy when looking at colorful seed packets and rows of bedding plants to get enticed into buying every tomato variety or new-colored zinnia under the sun. But this year I will stick to my plan (see #1) and not be seduced into buying extra plants. Oh well, maybe just one or two.
Weed early and often.
I will weed my flower and vegetable beds early in spring and often. I will also mulch afterward to keep them clean and tidy. It's much easier to stay on top of weeding if you kill the weeds as they sprout. Diligent weeding early in the season leads to a healthier garden later and less work for you.
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