Shannon Fitzpatrick

Grow bags and outdoor containers

Simply pour or  scoop fresh potting soil into your container and level off the top. Fill to about ¾ to the top of the container. Do not use soil from your yard or commercially sold topsoil and garden soil.

Tip: fresh potting soil is recommended for beginners, but you can reuse potting soil from last season if you dry it, clean it of all debris, add compost and a slow-release fertilizer or worm castings.

Preparing soil for outdoor gardens

• If starting with raised beds or previous garden beds, remove all weeds, rocks, and sticks from your garden area.

Mulching

• Mulch is an option around your seedlings to conserve moisture and deter weeds. Use straw, grass clippings, or shredded leaves for easy organic mulch. You can find additional information on mulching a vegetable garden at https://getbusygardening.com/mulching-vegetable-garden/

Watering

• Water immediately after transplanting your seedlings, and for seeds water whenever necessary to keep them moist. To avoid washing away your seeds, use a fine spray.
• Remember that plants in grow bags and containers require more water than in-ground plants.
• Seeds and seedlings generally need water every 1 to 2 days. They grow best with a consistent and even supply of moisture where the soil is neither soggy nor dry.

While gardening is rewarding, the truth is that it takes some care to prevent our efforts from being foiled by wildlife. So what to do to protect your vegetable garden from deer, rabbits, chipmunks, and the like?

• One advantage of grow bags and container grown plants is that they can be placed close to the home where critters are less likely to roam.
• Fencing is the most effective way to keep unwanted visitors out of your garden.
• Raised beds that are two feet or taller also can limit rabbit damage, especially if you add a short fence on top.
• A short fence will work for most rabbits, squirrels, and chipmunks, but should be buried at least 10″ deep to deter persistent diggers.