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A garden on the 24th of May

In Canada May 24 has special significance. Why? For most of the country, gardeners believe that if you do not have your vegetable planted by this date, crops risk being killed by fall frosts before harvest.
Garden column
London Chelsea Flower Show 2012 - small mixed salad greens, chives, onions, bush beans in centre.

In Canada May 24 has special significance.

Why? For most of the country, gardeners believe that if you do not have your vegetable planted by this date, crops risk being killed by fall frosts before harvest.

Have the pressures of working from home and home schooling interfered with your good intentions to start a vegetable garden this spring?

No worries. Here is how to obtain an “instant vegetable garden” even if you have never gardened before.

Select the sunniest spot in your lot - one that gets six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day. Be sure it is not in the middle of the family soccer plot. The garden must fit your lifestyle. If you only have a deck, use troughs, half barrels and plastic planters, the biggest that will fit.

Lay out newspaper sections on the chosen area. This lets you see the size and will provide a workable rectangle. Do not skimp. Six or eight sheet sections will smother the grass. Be sure to overlap each section at least two inches. Remove dandelions and thistles if present.

Use materials on hand as an edging to keep grass out. Pieces of fire wood, purpose cut lumber or large gathered stones can all be used.

In an urban area, buy the largest bags you can of material called “garden soil” or garden compost. Aim to create a bed that is at least six inches deep and easily reachable without having to step on the soil. A bed that is four or six newspaper sections in size can always be added to, so start small. 

If using containers, buy only “container” or “planter box” mix as it is formulated to provide extra drainage.

Buy and add at least one bag of Sea Soil for every three of “garden soil” or “container mix.”

Buy a basic organic fertilizer 4-4-4 like Gaia Green. Sprinkle one cup per newspaper section. Mix it all up with a hand rake or trowel.

Get onion sets for green onions, and if possible vegetables already started in boxes of four or six. This is great for first timers because you learn to recognize your young plants. They do look different from store produce at first. Plant peas, radishes and nasturtium seeds because they sprout reasonably quickly.

Plant your starts in rows or swirls as you may decide. Water in carefully with a gentle stream. Remember to use your finger every day to test for dryness and water if needed.

Keep the dogs and Frisbees off for at least two weeks and you will be amazed by what each small plant can produce.

If it does not work out, no worries. In the fall, remove the soil to your flower beds or shrubs. The edging can be restacked or repurposed. The newspapers will have rotted and new grass seed will fill in the space in the lawn, ready for next spring. Remember, whatever happens, you will have enjoyed creating and learning all summer.

Editor’s note: The South Delta Garden Club is providing a weekly article to the Optimist, which will appear on-line on the Optimist website every Tuesday.