5 questions to consider before starting a garden. When?
Remember the 5 questions to ask yourself before you start your first garden? Why, When, What, How, and How much.
We identified our “Why” over here. Now it’s time to consider when we should plan and set up a garden.
“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now”
- Chinese Proverb
Let’s talk about timing. In the Kansas City area, climate zone 6b, there are four planting seasons: cold, cool, warm, and hot. A big part of gardening is to know and work with these four seasons.
When do you want to start gardening?
If you want to have a cool weather crop (think cilantro, spinach, lettuce, etc), you want to have your garden set up by Mid-March. It’s helpful to have a plan several weeks before so you can order your raised bed and get everything installed. Scheduling a consultation is the best way to start! Head over here to fill out the pre-consultation form. You will receive a plan with dimensions, the meeting notes, and a brochure for seasonal planting.
Then, you can DIY or hire someone to install an edge, rocks for under the cedar bed, and the right garden soil.
Planting the right plants in their appropriate season is important for a successful garden! If you try to grow sweet lettuce in late June, you will be bitterly disappointed. (eeeeh, pun intended)
If you missed a planting season, don’t worry and don’t give up! It is not “too late” to get started! In the case of you setting up a garden at the end of spring, you can still plant tomatoes and other warm weather vegetables.
Even if it’s late fall, setting up your garden is not wasteful or unproductive. You will be garden-ready next year for the cool season crops! Some vegetables can stay in the garden and be dormant during the winter (homegrown garlic and sometimes carrots).
I actively garden outdoors 9 months out of the year and I love growing something in every season!
I ran to the garden in December to gather some oregano to propagate the plant. It had survived a couple of frosts already at that point. Who knew this little guy would be so hardy?!
Look ahead and determine when you want to start growing some of your food. Gardening and working with the seasons go hand in hand. Choose what you want to grow and have your garden set up a few weeks before that season starts.
So… spring is coming- are you garden-ready? I can’t wait!