These garden tips are gleaned from seasoned gardeners Lydia Berry, Noel Matchett, Allen Perper and Kathy Roznowski at Briggs Chaney, who were joined one summer day by Pat Lynch, who gardens at Brink Road Community Garden in Germantown.
1. Start with a small number of plants. Choose vegetables that you and your family like to eat.
2. Test your soil, and nourish it. Central Maryland native soil is primarily clay, which can be amended with organic material.
3. Read the plant label or seed packet, which has valuable information on when, where and how deep to plant.
4. Plan for succession planting for a sustained harvest. Review the University Maryland Extension Home & Garden Center planting Calendar for details.
5. Include pollinator-friendly flowers like goldenrod, zinnias and lavender. You’ll be glad you did, as many veggies require pollination to produce fruit and will bring welcome guests like birds, bees and butterflies.
6. Water deeply, preferably early in the day, and concentrate on the base of the plant. Watering leaves can bring fungal disease and powdery mildew.
7. Consult local reliable sources like the University of Maryland Extension and Montgomery County Master Gardeners for help in minimizing pests, weed reduction, enriching soil and other concerns.
8. Save seeds. Experiment with leftover cool-season seeds to test out winter gardening.
9. Take frequent water breaks, apply sunscreen and wear appropriate clothing.
10. Relax and have fun! Think of your garden as a constant experiment that gives endless opportunities to learn new things.
