Whether you are a seasoned gardener or just a beginner, now is the time of year when the dreams of a summer garden full of fresh vegetables should be at the front of your mind. Winter is the perfect time to start planning for the spring planting season and remind us of warmer times ahead.
I always grew up with a garden, but my busy life and small children provided me the perfect excuse to keep my nail beds clean. As my children are getting older, I want to provide them with the experience of a small garden and watching something grow because of their hard work.
A good resource for garden planning on the web is
The Helpful Gardener,
www.helpfulgardener.com. Advance planning is necessary to create a flourishing, bountiful garden. Traditional gardening has been to plant in long, orderly rows, but experts are now suggesting to plant in beds.
The beds allow you to concentrate your compost to growing areas. Also, walking between rows tends to ruin the soil structure. Be sure to keep your beds small so you can easily weed and harvest your vegetables. Beds from 8 to 12 inches high help the soil stay warmer in the colder temperatures of early spring and allow for proper drainage.
Your vegetable garden needs plenty of sunlight, so be sure to stake out the perfect spot in the yard. Your harvest is sure to be bountiful if you are willing to give your garden the best chance at the sun.
One of the last tips from The Helpful Gardener is to avoid mixing vegetable that may harm each other’s development. For example, potatoes inhibit growth of tomatoes and squash; beans inhibit growth of onions; broccoli inhibits growth of tomatoes; and carrots inhibit growth of dill. These can all be planted in the same garden, just not right next to each other.
Happy planning, and here’s to a bountiful harvest this fall!
Contact: Kim Preston for more information,
kimp@cfra.org or 402.687.2103 x 1022, and to find out how her garden grows.
Dakota Rural Action has been a close ally of the Center for Rural Affairs since the South Dakota grassroots organization was established. In particular, Dakota Rural Action is a key ally in South Dakota on livestock market reforms, beginning farmer and rancher initiatives and on anti-corporate farming laws. Visit them online today. 
