Monroe County – Spring begins on March 20, a little over six weeks away. It is now time to plan this year's home gardens.
“Vegetable plans are now good when it is too cold to do something outdoors,” said Ned Birkey, emeritus of Birkey and emeritus from the Michigan State University.
Birkey offers some tips for planning planning for home work. Find out more about Home Garden workshops. The first is February 5th.
The then 17-year-old Ny Kershaw and his service dog, a 16-week-old poodle called Keita at the time, are shown in her vegetable garden in Carleton last summer. It is time to think about the 2025 garden season.
What should I consider now?
“Think of the amount of sunlight that the garden area receives, the color/quality of the soil, any earlier use of the soil and herbicides, accompanying plantings and possibilities to keep pests or varmints away,” said Birkey. “Think of flowers, some of which help ward off insects.”
“These more serious gardeners will think about where the vegetables should be turned to minimize the disease of the remaining plant material in the ground,” said Birkey.
What is a tip for more advanced gardeners?
“Accompanying planting is a good way to better use limited space, to enable two or more cultures that grow together for nutrients, pest control and synergistic advantages. This is an extensive topic itself that is better reserved for really serious gardeners,” he said .
Which plants should I plant?
Birkey identified the “10 healthiest fruit and vegetables that people can grow in a home garden” from the “Almanach of the old farmer”.
They are not in a certain order: broccoli, kale, garlic, spinach, paprika, zucchini, summer urbis, green beans, tomatoes, blueberries and strawberries.
“Most of them don't take up much space,” said Birkey.
Other healthy plants are carrots, winter pumpkins, watermelon and legumes such as peas, white beans and edamame, added Birkey.
The Bedford Flower and Garden Club meets every month in the Bedford Branch Library, 8575 Jackman Road. New members are cordially invited to join the club. Fees cost 20 US dollars a year. Participation in meetings is free of charge.
-
On February 5, the speakers Patti Finch and Amanda Oscar will talk about the Monarch Butterfly Conservation Project on February 5. “Come and hear what this project is about and how you can support these butterfly populations,” said the club's Kathleen Masters.
-
On March 5, Pete and Jill Lougney will discuss medieval gardening on March 18. “You will discuss the differences in the systems compared to today and the purpose of gardens. They will show photos of gardens that they tour in Great Britain,” said Masters. The Loughnys are members of the horticultural club in Monroe, and Pete works with the vegetable gardens on the increased bed areas north of the Monroe County Community College.
-
Garden plant workshop, 13-2:30 p.m. February 22nd in the Bedford Branch Library. “Master Gardener Michele will share some useful apps, books and advice to direct your plans,” said the library system. Diagram paper, colored pens and refreshments are provided. To register, visit the event page of the library system.
-
Milkweed for Monarch, 12:30 p.m.-2 to 30 p.m., March 9, in the Bedford Branch Library. The Bedford Monarch Conservation Committee will discuss the Monarch butterfly. “The presentation will talk about what happens to the monarch, why they are about to die out and how they can help to change the result of this very special butterfly,” said the library system. “In the workshop part of this event, every guest plants wolf seeds in a milk jug to take them home in spring. Milk jugs and supplies are provided. Milk jugs can be donated to the library. To register, visit, visit The event page of the library system.
-
Saatgut Start Workshop, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. on April 12th in the Bedford Branch Library. Gardeners of all skills are welcome. “We will go through some basics of vegetable cooking, talk about various garden resources that are available through your library and learn how to produce biodegradable seed pots from the newspaper,” said the library system. “This is a practical program. So please be ready to make your hands dirty. Bring your own gloves with you if you want. All other supplies are provided, and the participants can choose from a variety of organic. Vegetables from Bedford Seed Library.
Subscribe now: For the latest local developments, breaking news and high school.
Previous reporting: The Monroe County Library system that offers free seeds
-
The Bedford Herb Group meets on 10 a.m. on Wednesday of the month in the Bedford Branch Library on 10:00 p.m. on Wednesday. The group is for those who like to grow herbs and cook with herbs. To find out more, visit the event page of the library system.
Get free seeds
The Monroe County Library system has a seed library.
Sama packages are given free of charge in the libraries Bedford, Maybee and South Rockwood.
– Contact Suzanne Nolan Wislol an der swisler@monroenews.com.
This article originally appeared in the Monroe News: Spring almost here; Workshop, tips for planning your home garden