Another cold start to the day reminds us why we are still in the planning stages of gardening.  The Master Gardeners at Cornell Cooperative Extension say making a plan can save time and make a healthier garden.

Making a plan isn’t that difficult and spring is the perfect time to make that plan.

· Measure the space of your garden and draw it out on graph paper.

· Add the plants that are already there to your plan.

· Make a list of the plants you would like to add to your garden. Take note of the sunlight, moisture and soil requirements of the plants you are interested in and pass up any plants that simply won’t work in your garden location.

· Draw in your desired plants (in pencil), moving them around until you’re happy with the final arrangement.

· As you draw your plan, be sure to leave room to work around your plants (fertilizing, weeding, and watering). This may require that you plan for a walking path through your garden area.

As you carry out your plan, note any problems or revisions in your notebook. This will form the basis of your plan for next year.

You'll find lots of garden planners online, here or here.  Or speak directly to one of the master gardeners by calling the hotline Wednesdays or Fridays between 9am and noon, 315-736-3394 and get more information at the garden page on CCE's website.

 

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