Quick Tips

For New Gardeners

Start With Good Soil

If the plot is new to you and you want to garden right away, you will need to improve the soil.
For a 4' x 8' plot: rake, dig, or deeply till 4 cubic feet of organic cotton burr mulch, 5 lbs of Yum Yum mix (Soil Menders), 5 lbs of worm castings, and 3 lbs of blood meal into the plot.
Starting in mid June and until early August, fertilize your veggie garden every 3 weeks with fish emulsion and seaweed extract (diluted according to instructions).

General Tips for a Strong Growing Season

Choose a very sunny, level location, 10 hours or more of direct sun a day (8 bare minimum).
Plant in organically rich, well-drained soil.
Visit your garden daily to check on water needs and check on bugs.
Harvest when your crop is ready. Do not delay.
Feed your soil so your soil can feed your plants.
If your seeds are not sprouting, replant.
In Colorado Springs do not plant on mounds; plant in a small trench (1 inch deep or so).
Squash, melon, and cucumbers will do better if directly seeded in small depressions in the ground.
Use mulches on top of the soil to conserve water and keep the top of the soil from crusting.
Don’t Overcrowd. Space accordingly.
Plant flowers that attract pollinators, such as zinnias, calendula, chamomile, dill, borage, yarrow, comfrey, oregano, wild arugula, & chives.
Amend your soil with organic compost by adding one to three inches on top and working into the soil.

Planting Tips

Sow directly in shallow trenches instead of mounds.

Trenches will retain moisture better than mounds and will facilitate germination. Otherwise, follow the directions on the seed packet.

Ensure the soil is thoroughly moistened before planting.

Dampen the soil thoroughly to at least eight inches deep. Don't try to work soil that's too wet or too dry.

Harden seedlings off before transplanting.

This means expose your plants to one hour outside in the sun for one day before moving them to the shade, two hours the seconds day, and so on until they overnight outside. Be sure they do not dry out.

Use season protection for warm weather crops.

One-gallon milk jugs with the bottoms cut off, wall-o-waters, or hoops provide protection. Clear plastic hoop tunnels work great but make sure there is plenty of ventilation so that you don’t bake your plants.

Lightly mulch over the plot to retain moisture.

Add ½ inch of dried grass clippings, straw, or leaf mulch. Make sure the mulch is herbicide free. Avoid using wood chips on your plot, as they “lock up” nitrogen. Alternatively, consider living mulches.

Quick Tips

For New Gardeners

If the plot is new to you and you want to garden right away, you will need to improve the soil.

For a 4' x 8' plot: rake, dig, or deeply till 4 cubic feet of organic cotton burr mulch, 5 lbs of Yum Yum mix (Soil Menders), 5 lbs of worm castings, and 3 lbs of blood meal into the plot.

Starting in mid June and until early August, fertilize your veggie garden every 3 weeks with fish emulsion and seaweed extract (diluted according to instructions).

Choose a very sunny, level location, 10 hours or more of direct sun a day (8 bare minimum).

Plant in organically rich, well-drained soil.

Visit your garden daily to check on water needs and check on bugs.

Harvest when your crop is ready. Do not delay.

Feed your soil so your soil can feed your plants.

If your seeds are not sprouting, replant.

In Colorado Springs do not plant on mounds; plant in a small trench (1 inch deep or so).

Squash, melon, and cucumbers will do better if directly seeded in small depressions in the ground.

Use mulches on top of the soil to conserve water and keep the top of the soil from crusting.

Don’t Overcrowd. Space accordingly.

Plant flowers that attract pollinators, such as zinnias, calendula, chamomile, dill, borage, yarrow, comfrey, oregano, wild arugula, & chives.

Amend your soil with organic compost by adding one to three inches on top and working into the soil.