1. Adding compost to your soil creates nutrient rich soil that you just can’t get from manure.

2. Till the soil to churn up the various nutrients in the soil to make it easier for the roots to grow.

3. Oftentimes the soil you use requires adding additional soil amendments including plantone, blood meal (adds Nitrogen) and bone meal (adds Phosphorus). I usually consult my gardener to make sure the soil is perfect for planting.

4. Collect rain water because city water contains chlorine and other chemicals that effect plant growth.

5. Some plants require a lot of water and others don’t. Be careful what you plant side by side as this may affect their growth.

6. Companion plants help curb problem bugs and insects from infecting your crops. They also relieve you from having to use pesticides.

(Chart via www.friendship-gardens.com)

7. Most vegetables should be planted from February through April.

8. Water your plants in the morning. Water evaporates in the day-time heat and at night, if the it’s not warm enough out, wet leaves that don’t dry have a greater chance of growing fungus.

9. Save your used tea bags, cut them open and sprinkle the contents around your rosebushes. Then add a layer of mulch. Roses really respond to the Tannic Acid in the tea.

10. Diapers help retain moisture in potted plants. Fortunately, since I have a new Grandson, we’ll have a lot of these lying around to use for my hanging plants.