It pays to plan.

It was a pleasure to kick off estelle's "gardening adventure" series yesterday, with soil preparation tips.  I thought I'd share a few more BIG & little tips that we've found to be especially helpful.

1.)Utilize a garden journal.

... never before realized how much planning, researching, designing, sketching, adjusting, observing, trouble-shooting... that a garden entails.  this journal allows us to record all of it in one spot.

2.) Maximize your gardening space *without over-crowding.

... by far, one of our biggest lessons learned last year... & greatest discoveries this year- GrowVeg.com.  proper spacing, smart grouping... both absolutely essential.  this online planner allows you to draw out your garden, and shows "how much space plants require and how to group them for maximum success."

                                 
3.) Combine seedlings with seeds.

... some vegetables take longer to mature from seed.  although most of our plants start out in the form of seeds planted directly into the garden (the kids love helping to pick out the "seed packets" :))- when it comes to long-season plants (such as tomatoes & peppers), we purchase seedlings from the nursery.  last year, we tried to start our own; everything started off really well... then just like that, they all DIED.  this year, we needed to experience more success than failure simply want to get our soil, grouping, and spacing down, so we took the easy route when it comes to seedlings.

4.) Plan the menu... & stock up.

... a seemingly little tip, but made a world of difference.  no question about it... gardening can definitely be relaxing & "therapeutic" even.  but the days of purchasing, hauling, clearing, soil-preparing, & planting is a. lot. of. work. {especially when you squeeze the whole job into a day & a 1/2} ... {and especially when you want to mix in other weekend activities- such as eating}... solution??  plan your weekend menu (and stock up on groceries).  when you're hot & dirty & gross (not that i was or anything), it's no fun to plan meals, go to the store- or even run and get takeout.  *also- start the day right with a big ol' "mug" of coffee and have drinks & snacks ready for your always-hungry children [& self].

5.) Make it a family affair.

... while keeping in mind that a.) perfection has no place in gardening (because let me tell ya- they will not put the seed in the perfect spot- or dig the holes in the perfect proximity to one another... but neither will i!), and b.) they need breaks... to analyze worms, stare at the dirt(??), play in the yard, and of course- EAT.

                

Whether getting out in the garden or hitting up the pubs, have fun going GREEN this weekend :).