A new year is upon on which also brings a new season of gardening! Spring will be here before we know it, and I always try to greet the new season with just a few of what I like to call gardening resolutions. I like to keep the list short, five or less, because like any other New Year resolutions they can be tough to follow through with. I’m still a bit of a novice when it comes to gardening, so my resolutions may seem a bit simple, but I it never hurts to revisit the basics. So without further adieu, my list of 5 gardening resolutions…
5. Start the Season with Clean, Sharp Tools
I’ve had my gardens now for 2 years (since I’ve moved back from Manhattan) and I never start the spring with clean, sharp tools. I waste the good part of a spring weekend cleaning, oiling, and sharpening my gardening tools. Not this year, I didn’t pack my tools away in the back of the shed as usual, this year I kept them in the front and I’m already almost done.
4. Add More Kitchen Scraps to My Compost Pile
You would think that this would be a very easy resolution, but it’s not! This one was on my list last year, and I think it lasted maybe two months. The truth is my wife and I always forget. I put a bin for organic “compostable” material right alongside our recycling bins, and it always came up empty. Not this year, I’m going to make it my mission to fill that bin every week.
3. Try a New Garden Center
I work very close to the garden center I currently use. This center has just about anything you can ask for, BUT they are super expensive. Every time I walk out of there I feel like I’ve over paid. So this year I’ll be seeking out a new garden center. I like to stick with one location, and one associate at that location so that when I need help or advice they know exactly what’s going on in my gardens.
2. Harvest & Use My Rainwater
As of right now any storm water I get runs right into my gardens, and out into my lawn. I’ve notices the waters have started to strip the gardens of good soil, and my lawn is constantly soggy. Rain barrels are easily obtained online or through your local garden center. My community has even started a save the rain initiative, and with a brief workshop I can get a FREE rain barrel. Not only will I save my yard and gardens, but I’ll save my water bill as well. It’s a no brainer, done this year!!
1. Keep a Garden Journal
I’ve known for a while that I should be keeping a garden journal, but these past two seasons at my new residence I just haven’t wanted to. When we moved I inherited some gardens that were very overgrown, some that were sparse, and a lot of spots where the previous owner took away trees, and perennials, so I’ve been playing catch up. I think I am now to the point where I really need to start keeping a journal. I see so many things I’d like to add, to transplant, and develop, and I think a journal would really help me out.
So there you have it five gardening resolutions for 2014 that I think will be simple enough to follow through with. Do you have any gardening resolutions for 2014, if so I’d love to know what they are!
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