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SALT LAKE CITY -- Many residents dealing with tight budgets are planning to grow their own fruits and veggies to save money this year.
Garden expert Kim Peterson with Oakdell Organic Compost offered some tips for first-time or experienced gardeners.
Tips for early spring gardening:
- Provide soil with necessary nutrients now Compost can provide essential nutrients to improve Utah soil types, from clay to sand, and can help plants grow better. Compost also helps soil retain moisture and improves aeration to allow plan roots to receive necessary oxygen. Make sure the correct amount of compost is applied. Evenly mix one inch of compost into three inches of soil.
- Don't plant vegetables too close to each other If vegetables are planted too closely together they can't reach their full growth potential, resulting in a much smaller yield. Just like people, plants need their space. Some vegetables that can be grown closer together include lettuce and green leafies, but they should be thinned before they reach full size. Follow the spacing recommendations provided on the back of seed packets.
- Pay attention to frost warnings In Utah, the last frost date is typically around Mother's Day, but this spring has been anything but typical. Pay attention to the weather forecast; if frost is expected take measures to protect your plants by covering them.
- Water your vegetables responsibly The weather, growing conditions and time of year all affect how often your garden should be watered. Use the one-inch rule when watering. If you dig out an inch or two of dirt and find no moisture, it is time to water deeply. If the soil is still moist, even after several days, check it the next day. Vegetable roots reach deeper than the roots of your grass. Therefore, they can and should go longer in between watering. An over-watered garden is more susceptible to disease and bugs.
- Apply mid-season compost Applying additional compost will continue to provide plants with necessary nutrients. Gently loosen the soil and evenly spread one-half to one inch of compost to the surrounding area where plants are growing. Either mix it in, or water it in.
More gardening tips are available at the USU Extension Services website here.
