|
by Jeremy M. Kichler County Extension Coordinator Colquitt County • Moultrie, Georgia email: jkichler @ uga. edu
March is a great time of year. The weather warms up and everybody is excited about home gardening. Let’ s discuss common questions I receive from home gardeners in the community. How Often Should I Lime My Garden? Please consider applying lime when the pH of your soil is below 6.2. Gardeners should base this off soil samples. The recommended time to lime is usually during the fall in preparation for the spring garden, as it takes several months for lime to adjust the soil pH.
Is Pelletized or Powdered Lime Better for Growth? This is a common question among gardeners. Dolomitic limestone is normally used for vegetable gardens because it contains both magnesium and calcium. Gardeners should avoid hydrated or builders’ lime because it could potentially burn the roots of the plant and only provide a shortterm fix. Pelletized dolomitic lime is usually easier to apply than powdered lime and achieves the same result.
Is there a Certain Way to Plant Vegetable Rows for Maximum Success? This is always an interesting question. Vegetables thrive in full sunlight, and orienting your rows
|
from east to west will maximize the amount of sunlight your plants will receive. Try to keep rows as straight as possible— this will make it easier to traverse and maintain. What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Planting in Raised Beds? One advantage of planting vegetables in raised beds is that they can be placed in areas that would not typically have conducive growing conditions, such as on steep slopes and in urban landscapes. Soil in raised beds typically warms up more quickly in the spring. It is easier to select the type of soil used in beds, too. Raised beds are well drained, so there is less risk of water-related diseases. They drain so well that water maintenance is |
crucial. Raised beds normally require more irrigation than gardens planted traditionally. One downside of raised beds is that the initial costs may be expensive.
Are Heirloom Varieties Better to Grow Than Newer Hybridized Options? If you are after the vegetables with the best flavor, go with an heirloom vegetable. If you are looking for a plant that is easier to manage, hybrid varieties seem to win in this category. Hybrid varieties have much more disease resistance than heirloom types.
If you have questions about gardening, please contact your local county Extension agent. n
|
Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash |