Web May 2022

WATCHING YOUR GARDEN GROW
Gardening can be a great
family activity. With the increasing
prices of groceries, many of you
may be looking at trying your luck
with growing your own vegetables
this year. Here are a few tips from
the University of Illinois Extension
Service.
Grow hybrid vegetables.
Hybrid vegetables are usually
stronger and healthier than other
vegetables.. They often have
higher yields, have built in disease
resistance and are more likely to
recover from bad weather. They
may cost a bit more but the cost
is worth it.
Vegetables like tomatoes,
peppers, cabbage, broccoli,
eggplants are planted as transplants.
This means someone
else started them from seeds.
Choose plants with healthy green
leaves. Avoid plants in pots with
roots growing out of the drainage
holes. This may indicate that
plant may be root bound. Healthy
roots will be white. Brown roots
mean the plant is dying so avoid
these plants. Check the plant for
insects. Shake the plants to see
if anything flies away, and check
the underside of the leaves. Do
not buy insect infested plants.
Before planting your transplants,
get your plants ready by
slowly introducing them to the
cooler temperatures and brighter
light conditions outside. Increase
the amount of time outside gradually
over a week to 10 days.
Now, you have bought
your plants, gotten them used
to being outside and it is time to
plant. Try to plant on a cloudy day
or in the late afternoon. Dig a hole
big enough for the root ball. Try
not to damage the root system
when removing the plant from
the pot. Space plants at recommended
distance from each other.
Water your plants with a cup
of starter fertilizer. Mix 1-2 TBSP
of soluble starter fertilizer with a
gallon of water. Starter fertilizer is
high in phosphorus which helps
to promote root development.
This will help get your plant off to
a good start.
Don’t be afraid to plant
flowers in your vegetable garden.
Many flowers attract beneficial
insects, parasites, and predators
that help protect the plants. Some
examples are sweet alyssum, dill,
fennel, tansy, cosmos, coneflower,
and sunflowers.
Everyone can be involved
in weeding, watering, and the
best part- harvesting your garden.
Who knows, maybe the kids will
be more willing to eat their veggies
if they helped out through the
process. Have fun!
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