The Urban Permaculture Farm Magazine

If you thought February was a busy month, March is that much more so. Whether it's clearing branches and leaves that may have fallen into your beds, or turning the compost pile that's been simmering slowly all winter long, there always seems to be a project for the garden. For me, it's been planting tons of seeds inside and growing them to transplant size under lights. I feel it's getting me into the gardening habit of daily tasks, but also satisfying my longing desire to garden. I hope you're feeling it too.

So, what if you don't have a compost pile from last year? You can start a hot compost pile like Mel mentions and have it done in 60 days or so. Just get a 3'x3'x3' pile going of a diverse mix of browns (shredded paper, straw, dryer lint, etc.) and greens (coffee grounds, fruit/vegetable scraps, flowers, etc.) all chopped very fine. The finer, the faster they decompose due to more sides for the critters to feed on. Look online for more examples of browns and greens. Add those in roughly equal amounts with enough water to dampen a sponge, and it should heat up to 140 degrees within a day or so. When it drops below 130, flip it and break up the clumps while adding more browns, greens and water. Do that weekly and you'll have decent compost in no time!

Finally, as Mel suggests, finding out when to plant things is not always easy. His book does a good job focusing it all in one place. I know I've gone to it a half dozen times in the last month. But you can get the same information from seed packets, the internet, or your local extension office. Whatever you do, get busy and get growing something for or in your garden!

A Few Words From Mel Himself!

Hey, it's almost time for spring planting. WHEN and WHAT is the key question. WHEN to plant all depends on the expected date of your final spring frost. Who knows that for your area? Your County agricultural extension agent does. Look him up in the telephone book under your County offices and call to get the date.

Then go to my book, "The ALL NEW Square Foot Gardening Book." Look on page 254 for the planting charts. The first one tells you WHAT vegetables to plant and WHEN. It even tells you if you should plant them as seeds in the ground or as a transplant that you either started yourself indoors or bought at the local nursery. Most people just buy their cabbage and broccoli plants at the nursery. It's a lot easier but costs a lot more.

If your planting seeds outdoors, page 252 tells you how long those seeds will take to sprout at different temperatures. If it's too early and cold when you plant, they will just rot in the ground. So, get ready to start your outdoor planting soon and make this the best year ever with your Square Foot Garden!

www.squarefootgardening.com

Click HERE TO BUY MEL'S BOOK THE ALL NEW SQUARE FOOT GARDENING!