Page 53 - Galveston Monthly Apr2019

hOme & GardeN | GARdENiNG

tHe sprinG

veGetABle GArDen

The danger of frost is finally behind us and warm temperatures are upon us. The hearts
of gardeners everywhere are anticipating a new and bountiful growing season. Nurseries
are stocking the shelves with an abundance of hardy offerings - transplants, as well as
the latest supply of seeds, including our old favorites and innovative new strains of hybrid
species especially bred for the most adventurous among us.

By Jan Brick

f you are you contemplating a spring vegetable Organic materials include nitrogen (N): two parts
garden now is the time to organize, plan, and blood meal or three parts fish meal; phosphorus (P):
prepare your garden. Many varieties of vegetables three parts bone meal; and potassium (k): one part
Ican be grown on Galveston island, and many more kelp meal or six parts greensand. if you use manure, it
on the mainland of Galveston County. Some early should be composted, not fresh so as not to burn your
preparations for the spring gardening season will bring plants and to prevent the spread of pathogens.
benefits that will last all year. Even if there is not enough room in your yard for a
Before planting your garden, prepare your beds by conventional garden, you too can enjoy the rewards
digging and loosening the soil, and adding organic of vegetable gardening. Plant vegetables among the
material. This prep work can save you disappointment flowers and ornamentals in your flowerbeds; many
and assures a generous harvest. vegetables have attractive blooms and their foliage
Organic matter is the key to a healthy garden as it will complement the already existing vegetation in the
helps improve whatever soil to which it is added. beds.
you should replenish your garden at the start of each A second option is the construction of a “square-foot”
growing season to maintain its viability. garden. in this garden, a raised bed is divided into

APRIL 2019 | GALVESTON MONTHLY | 53