Recession that Grows Green
June 17, 2009 – 12:02 pm
With the recession in full sway many are looking how to save money. Recession gardening is one way to save money while providing good healthy foods for your family. There is nothing like a fresh salad , it can be grown in a container or in a vegetable garden. The most popular and easy vegetables to grow are lettuce, broccoli, tomatoes, and cabbage. While cool, you can grow lettuce leaves and can start to cut leaves every two weeks to eat till summer gets hot. During summer lettuce needs a shaded area so as to not burn out.
Start small to gain experience from growing a few plants. Then you will be able to build on the knowledge you have gained for next year. A garden must have a good eight hours of sun every day. So rememberthat shadows may fall in the afternoon as well as later in the season as the sun moves across the sky. All gardens depend on the quality of the soil. Enriching the soil with organic matter is essential. It feeds soil organisms, creates space for water and air to flow, roots to grow and holds moisture. The cheapest amendment is shredded leaves, saved from last fall, or from a homemade compost bin. If you do not have a compost bin you can also buy from a local store organic matter (manure). Thoroughly mix into the soil.
Sometimes we get too eager and plant too early. Don”t…! Wait till the danger of frost in your area is passed. Planting too early can create weaker plants. We want strong healthy plants that produce bountiful yields. For gardeners who like vegetables in containers, there are a variety tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplants, sweet peppers, basil and several types of lettuce that thrive in pots and window boxes. Always use high-quality seeds and follow the packets instructions. When a lot of seedlings start to grow, it is critical to thin them out to the packets spacing suggestion if you want the most healthy and high production from your plants.
Relax and have fun. Even if you are overwhelmed by the weeds, pests or a hot spell, don’t get discouraged. Every season is a learning experience and will make you a better gardener in the future as you reap the green.
