Page 52 - Bringing out the Potential In Our Children - Gardeners - Food Producers

the season, or even a covered garden will give it enough protection to carry through some cold
weather.

CLEAN UP AND PREPARING THE SOIL- Once the crops are finished, clean up the old plants
and put them in the compost. You can now prepare the ground ready to get an early start on
next season’s gardening. When preparing your soil: dig deep. Most plants are content with 6 to
8 inches of good ground for their roots to grow in. If you're planning to grow substantial root
crops (carrots, parsnips, turnips, beets, etc.), go deeper still — up to a foot or more. Then fill 'er
up. Add lots and lots of organic matter! Try using compost, shredded leaves, well-rotted
manure, or a mixture. If your yard happens to be blessed with fertile soil, adding organic matter
is less crucial, but most soils can stand the improvement. Do it at this time so it has time to
break down releasing nutrients for next year’s crop. You can even plant some cold season
seeds (lettuce, radish, spinach, etc.) right away for a real early crop.

REVIEWING YOUR SUCCESSES AND PLANNING FOR NEXT SEASON- Once your harvest
is all in, and the garden is cleaned up and prepared for the next season it’s time to put your feet
up and review your successes of the year or things that you want to change. Soon the seed
catalogues will be coming in and it will be time to start planning the next year’s garden.
May your gardens produce an abundance of wholesome, nutritious food, with an abundance
allowing you to share your bounty. Happy growing!