With the rising costs of living, many of us have been tightening our belts. During these times one can find solace in growing a garden. It can be done simply, and not only do you get rewarded with fruits and vegetables that you’ve grown yourself, but the act of gardening can be a stress reliever. Hands outside in the soil and the satisfaction of working on something that directly benefits you and your family just feels good. Having a sense of self-sufficiency and knowing what you grow is healthy and ripe when picked can feel comforting. Plus, if you can, freeze, or dry some of your harvest, you can have a taste of the summer during the lean winter months! A home garden can reduce the amount of trips to the store, and is environmentally friendly.
Planting
May is for planting! However, please keep an eye on soil temperature for planting warmer weather veggies and seeds. (For tomatoes, squash, peppers, etc. make sure it’s consistently above 70˚F unless you have a greenhouse to protect them.) You can start a lot of seeds indoors right now, as well as starting some seeds outdoors! Check out this handy list of what to plant in May. Visit the nursery soon- we’ve got lots of variety that can go in the ground: fresh herbs, veggies, perennials, shrubs, hanging baskets and so much more!

Pest Management
The changing of seasons means an abundance of growth…it also means that pests are beginning to emerge in force this time of year. Prevention is key to future problems, and the earlier the start the better. Learn more about how to manage different types of problems when Dealing with Garden Pests. Another integral part of IPM is the use of Beneficial Insects in the garden!
Monitor for spotted wing drosophila (SWD) near plants that bear soft fruit such as blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries. We have traps available in our garden department.

Benefits of Fertilizer and Mycos
Beginning with well-balanced fertilizer is key to starting your garden off with good plant and soil health. When planting transplants, use the appropriate Down To Earth Fertilizer, and apply it to the bottom of the planting hole taking care to mix with a bit of loose soil. For most plants, applying Mycorrhizal fungi in the planting hole can be very beneficial for root development! The plant sends signals out to any mycorrhizal fungi in the area and the spores respond by growing hyphae in the direction of the signal. If a spore is able to find the root of the plant, the hyphae will penetrate the root and begin to grow structures that allow for the plant and the fungi to exchange resources.

Natural Lawn Care
Right now is a good time to use our OMRI listed Bio-Turf 8-3-5 fertilizer to help keep your lawn green and lush. Check out more tips on Natural Lawn Care.
