Published: April 24, 2008 10:42 am            

Ace of Spades: Start small to get children interested in gardening

Originally published in the April 18, 2008, print edition.

The last several years my garden has not produced well. What could be the problem?

Here are several ideas to increase your productivity.

Is the garden in a sunny area? Most growing vegetables like a sunny area. The last two years there has been little rainfall; did you water the garden plants enough? If there is a way to save and use rain water, this will help.

Last, but not least, when was the last time you have taken a soil sample from your garden and had it tested? Stop at any county Extension office for a kit.

What is the best way to get children started in gardening, and how old should they be?

Age doesn’t really matter, as long as there is interest. Keep their first garden small, planting only several of the vegetables they recognize and like. When the first seeds begin to emerge, point this out and the difference from the actual plants versus some weeds which may also be emerging. Always remember how small some of these seeds are, and children are surprised at how tall the plants can grow.

If I plant some asparagus seeds this spring, how long will it take for the asparagus spears to be harvested?

If you plant some of the seeds this spring, you should be able to harvest some spears the third year. Harvest these spears sparingly the third year, after that time, your asparagus crop will be able to harvest until mid season. You also can purchase started plants at your area nursery or greenhouse.

Our family likes to eat tomatoes. What are some good varieties out there to pick from?

There are many varieties, but only choose a few. Here is a partial list: Big Mama, Big Beef, Celebrity, Viva, Health-kick, Big Boy and Early Girl for that smaller tomato.

Plant at least two different maturities of tomatoes. If we have extremely hot temperatures this summer, you may see some tomatoes aborting.

Instead of ordering tomato seeds and plants from the catalogs, I suggest purchasing from your favorite area greenhouse or nursery. Make sure you purchase healthy plants.

Every year my garden is being over run with rabbits. What is the best solution?

Many gardeners set up stiff chicken netting wire around the garden. Make sure you put the bottom at least two inches below the surface of the soil, so rabbits will not crawl under the fence.

        

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