“It is only the farmer who faithfully plants seeds in the Spring, who reaps a harvest in the Autumn. ” B. C. Forbes
You may have recently seen my last episode on Why Trellising Your Tomato Plants is a Must-Do and 5 Tips for Successwhich somewhat relates to today’s topic on vertical gardening. In today’s episode I will be elaborating on this topic and showing you the benefits of gardening vertically!
Vertical gardening is a gardening technique that simply involves growing plants vertically, taking advantage of unused vertical space while creating a stunning visual display. Not only does it allow you to maximize your garden space, but it also has numerous benefits, including easier maintenance, better air circulation, and less pest and disease problems. If you’re new to vertical gardening and don’t know where to start, don’t worry – this beginner’s guide has got you covered. I’ll take you through the basics, from choosing the right plants and materials to setting up your vertical garden and caring for your plants. Get ready to elevate your garden game and create a stunning, space-saving garden that’s sure to impress.
Check out my YouTube video below for the whole scoop on vertical gardening & how it will benefit you!
I certainly hope you are encouraged to garden. Even if you start with only two or three of these things, that’s a great start!
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If you enjoyed this episode, please LIKE, Follow, Share & leave me a comment! I love your feedback!
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Until next time friends, eat fresh, shop local, & have a happy day, Jean
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So many of you have asked where I purchased my new, beautiful raised beds so I decided to do a YouTube Video why I love them and the benefits I feel these galvanized metal beds have.
If you’re looking for excellent quality galvanized, metal raised beds, look no further.
These Land Guard 8 x 4 x 2 raised beds have worked wonderful for me. I purchased seven of them and I like them so much that I purchased three more that are only 1 foot deep.
The four centrally located support rods are a great feature. These ensure that the sides will not bow out or in once they are filled. After 15 years of using wooden raised beds, I will never go back now that I’ve use these galvanized metal beds. They are top rated on Amazon 4 star and higher.
The beds are silver, not painted, which I was very happy about. I’m not worried about them rusting or shipping. I read a couple reviews were people complained about the bolts and nuts, not being to size. I again purchased seven of them, and out of all of the nuts and bolts. There were only one bolt that was not usable. We had absolutely no issues otherwise.
These beds are incredibly easy to put together! My 12 year old and 15 year old sons built a couple of them together as well as helping me. I have talked to a couple of my friends who have use these beds and they have all said they were extremely reliable and excellent quality.
I would definitely give this product a 4.75 star rating. The only reason I don’t give it a five star is the gauge of the steel. Although it appears to be very durable, it will bend if heavy weight is applied on it. For instance, the edges.
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If you aren’t following me on Facebook or Instagram, go on over & give a LIKE & Follow me for daily tips & tricks for your home & garden!
Until next time friends, eat fresh, shop local, & have a happy day,
Jean
Copyright Policy
All text and images on this site are copyright of For Dragonflies And Me. Unless otherwise noted, you may not use this content.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through an affiliate link, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. You can see my full disclaimer here.
“It’s difficult to think anything but pleasant thoughts while eating a homegrown tomato.” ― Lewis Grizzard
I admit it… I haven’t always trellised my tomatoes. I’ve always used the standard tomato cage, but trellising is something I recently started doing. Yes, I have always known it is the best way to grow my tomatoes, I just never took the time. Well friends, I am taking the time now as it will provide me with a healthier & more abundant crop of tomatoes!
Quite friendly, I got tired of my tomato plants sprawling all over the tomato cages & the raised beds taking up valuable space all the while making it difficult to harvest those ripe, juicy fruits. Trellising my tomato plants will provide more space for me to grow around them. This will allow me the opportunity to succession plant more effectively.
It will also improve airflow and reduce the risk of diseases. Not to mention, trellised tomatoes are easier to care for and harvest, resulting in a better yield.
Now you are asking, “Ok that’s all great Jean, but where do I start? You start right here friends! In today’s episode, I’ll provide you with 5 tips for successfully trellising your tomato plants, from choosing the right trellis to proper pruning techniques. Whether you’re a veteran gardener or novice just starting out, these tips will help you achieve a bountiful tomato harvest & beautiful garden. So let’s get started and take your tomato growing to the next level!
Watch my YouTube Video as I explain Why Trellising Your Tomato Plants is a Must-Do and 5 Tips for Success!
I certainly hope you are encouraged to garden. Even if you start with only two or three of these things, that’s a great start!
If you enjoyed this episode, please LIKE, Follow, Share & leave me a comment! I love your feedback!
Subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest stories in your inbox.
If you aren’t following me on Facebook or Instagram, go on over & give a LIKE & Follow me for daily tips & tricks for your home & garden!
Until next time friends, eat fresh, shop local, & have a happy day, Jean
Copyright Policy
All text and images on this site are copyright of For Dragonflies And Me. Unless otherwise noted, you may not use this content.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through an affiliate link, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. You can see my full disclaimer here.
“In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt.” Margaret Atwood
Mulching your raised beds is crucial for optimal growth. There are several benefits to mulching with grass clippings, however there are a few techniques that you need to know!
Check out my easy tutorial on Gardening 101~ How-to Mulch Your Raised Beds with Grass Clippings. Check out my YouTube Video below!
Keep posted for my upcoming blog on the benefits of mulching with grass clippings!
I certainly hope you are encouraged to garden. Even if you start with only two or three of these things, that’s a great start!
“The first gatherings of the garden in May of salads, radishes, and herbs made me feel like a mother about her baby ― how could anything so beautiful be mine. And this emotion of wonder filled me for each vegetable as it was gathered every year. There is nothing that is comparable to it, as satisfactory or as thrilling, as gathering the vegetables one has grown.” ― Alice B. Toklas
Throughout the winter months I long for the warm days when I can get back into the dirt and smell the scent of plants growing. Yes, they do have a scent and all gardeners know it. It’s like the smell of the first lawn cutting, or the way the air smells after a heavy rain.. It is simply a romantic aroma!
Have you ever wondered how some of your gardening friends always have fresh produce when your garden seems to have given up the ghost? Or how farmers market vendors have fresh lettuce all season, and yours turns bitter and bolts?
What you may not know is their secret… and that’s what I’m going to share with you all of you today! It’s called succession planting, and it’s super easy to incorporate into your gardening plan.
Let’s talk about the benefits & techniques of succession planting. With this method, you can maximize your garden’s yield and enjoy a steady supply of fruits, herbs, & veggies throughout the growing season.
In today’s blog post, I’ll teach you the various benefits of succession planting, including increased productivity and reduced waste. I’ll also discuss the different techniques and strategies you can use to implement this method successfully. So, whether you are a seasoned gardener or just starting, today you will discover how to make the most of your garden with succession planting.
I certainly hope you are encouraged to garden. Even if you start with only two or three of these things, that’s a great start!
If you enjoyed this blog , please LIKE, Follow, Share & leave me a comment! I love your feedback!
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You can get some really great tips in Elliot Coleman’s, Four Season Harvest! Great book! **Information adapted from Organic Gardening Magazine, “Keep It Coming” By Barbara Damrosch. Feb/Mar 2010, pg.s 42-47
If you aren’t following me on Facebook or Instagram, go on over & give a LIKE & Follow me for daily tips & tricks for your home & garden!
Until next time friends, eat fresh, shop local, & have a happy day, Jean
Copyright Policy
All text and images on this site are copyright of For Dragonflies And Me. Unless otherwise noted, you may not use this content.
“My passion for gardening may strike some as selfish, or merely an act of resignation in the face of overwhelming problems that beset the world. It is neither. I have found that each garden is just what Voltaire proposed in Candide: a microcosm of a just and beautiful society. ” Andrew Weil
Check out my easy YouTube video tutorial on how to properly plant invasive herbs such as mint, oregano, & thyme so they don’t overtake your gardens!
Supplies you’ll need:
Large planter Ground cover or landscape fabric to line the inside of the planter 2 cups of pea gravel Enough organic potting mix to fill the planter leaving about 2 inches of head space 1 perennial herb plant of your choice such as mint, oregano, thyme, rosemary, or sage.
I certainly hope you are encouraged to garden. Even if you start with only two or three of these things, that’s a great start!
The container gardener is limited only by your imagination! Whether you have a large garden, raised beds, or the smallest patio or balcony, Jean will show you how you can reap a crop of herbs. It’s all in the harvesting friends!
In todays class held at The Farmington Farmers & Artisans Market, Jean Roman will showcase how you can create thriving herb containers you’ll be able to bring in during the winter as well, if you choose! Whether you are an experienced or novice gardener, this class will be loads of fun with tons of great information!
Lifestyle expert Jean Roman shares gardening and cooking tips
The Market is excited to welcome Jean Roman with her gardening and cooking tips to our 2023 lineup.
Jean is a mother of six, published author, podcaster, YouTuber, organic gardener, organizational guru and influencer who lives in Waterford. A cookbook author and self-professed master gardener with more than 20 years of experience, Jean loves to share her passion for and knowledge of organic gardening, the local food movement and food preparation and preservation.
On her weekly podcast, “For Dragonflies and Me,” Jean gives gardening, cooking and organizational tips and tricks; discusses healthy lifestyles, and welcomes a wide variety of entrepreneurs.
Jean will make six presentations at the Market throughout the season. Please join her as she discusses and demonstrates:
Well, I’m starting a NEW Monthly Newsletter with new & exciting content you’ll only find there! New recipes, gardening tips & tricks, organization how-to’s and so much more.
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“You know, when you get your first asparagus, or your first acorn squash, or your first really good tomato of the season, those are the moments that define the cook’s year. I get more excited by that than anything else.” ― Mario Batali
I am getting so itchy to get out and plant stuff!!! If you’ve been following me on my Facebook & Instagram, then you’ve seen my new greenhouse go up & the raised bed gardening coming to fruition. We’ve been at a stand still the last few days with the weather… yep, I’m in Michigan. We need a bit more pea stone for the raised bed garden, and more compostable materials for the beds themselves…. Then the dirt and I can plant.
Next year at this time, I will already have lettuce and other greens in the beds, but I must be patient this year. As the temperatures start to rise and the sun shines a little brighter, May is the perfect time to start planting our vegetable and herb gardens.
Many of you ask me what we can start planting, so last month I threw together a blog post, and I thought I should do the same for May. After all, now is the time we can really start thinking about the garden and the beautiful bounties she will hold this year.
Benefits of Growing Your Own Vegetables and Herbs
There are many benefits to growing your own vegetables and herbs. For one, you can ensure that the produce you are consuming is fresh and free from harmful pesticides. Additionally, gardening can be a rewarding and stress-relieving hobby. Not to mention, it can save you money in the long run. By growing your own vegetables and herbs, you can reduce your grocery bill and enjoy the satisfaction of knowing that your food was grown with your own two hands.
Best Vegetables to Grow in May
MId to late May is the perfect time to plant a variety of vegetables in Zone 4 & 5. Some of the best vegetables to grow in May include tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, zucchini, and green beans. These plants thrive in warm weather & will grow beautifully once the evenings stay above 50 degrees. It is essential for them to have warm soil and night temps for them to mature and develop.
Tomatoes are classic vegetables & super easy to grow & can be used in a variety of dishes. Whether you prefer cherry tomatoes or beefsteaks, May is the ideal time to get these plants in the ground.
Peppers are another popular vegetable that can add some spice to your garden. Bell peppers, jalapenos, and habaneros are all great options for May planting. Cucumbers and zucchini are also easy to grow and can be used in salads, stir-fries, or even pickling.
Carrots & green beans are other versatile vegetable crops that can be served as a side dish or used in casseroles and soups.
Here are a Few Planting Tips for May Gardening
When planting your vegetables in May, it’s important to choose a spot that receives plenty of sunlight. Most vegetables require at least six hours of sunlight per day to thrive. Additionally, make sure the soil is well-draining and has plenty of organic matter. This will ensure that your plants have the nutrients they need to grow strong and healthy.
When planting your seeds or seedlings, as I always say, be sure to follow the instructions on the packet or label. Some plants may require a certain depth or spacing between each plant. If the information isn’t detailed enough, simply Google the plant and all those details will pop up! Water your plants regularly, especially during dry spells. Mulching around your plants can help retain moisture in the soil and prevent weeds from growing.
Top Herbs to Grow in May
Herbs are a great addition to any garden, and May is the perfect time to plant them. Some of the top herbs to grow in Zones 4 & 5 during May include basil, cilantro, chives, parsley, and thyme. These herbs are easy to grow and can be used in a variety of dishes.
Basil is a fragrant herb that is commonly used in Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. It can be used in sauces, salads, and even on pizza. Cilantro is another herb that is commonly used in Mexican and Asian cuisine. It can be used in salsas, curries, and stir-fries. Chives and parsley are versatile herbs that can be used in a variety of dishes, while thyme is a great herb for seasoning meats and vegetables. CLICK HERE for my delicious Pesto Recipe!
Maintaining Your May Garden – Watering, Fertilizing, and Pest Control
Maintaining your garden is crucial for a successful harvest. Water your plants regularly, especially during dry spells. Most vegetables require about an inch of water per week. Fertilize your plants every few weeks to ensure they have the nutrients they need to grow.
Pest control is also important for maintaining a healthy garden. Keep an eye out for common pests such as aphids, caterpillars, and slugs. You can use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control these pests. Additionally, companion planting can help deter pests naturally. For example, planting marigolds next to your vegetables can help repel aphids and other pests.
Harvesting Your May Garden
As your plants start to mature, it’s important to harvest them at the right time. Generally, vegetables should be harvested when they are ripe and before they become overripe or start to rot. Herbs can be harvested throughout the growing season as needed.
When harvesting your vegetables, use a sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears to cut the stem cleanly. Avoid pulling the vegetables off the plant, as this can damage the plant and reduce future yields. Herbs can be harvested by snipping off the leaves or stems as needed.
Gardening in Zones 4 & 5 in the month of May can be a fun and rewarding experience. By following these simple tips & tricks, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of fresh vegetables and herbs. Whether you’re a novice or beginner gardener, there’s no better time to start planting than now. So grab your gardening tools and get ready to dig in the dirt!
Looking to the future, consider trying out new vegetables and herbs in your garden. There are countless varieties to choose from, each with their own unique flavor and characteristics. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things. Who knows, you may discover a new favorite vegetable or herb that you never knew existed!
I certainly hope you are encouraged to garden. Even if you start with only two or three of these things, that’s a great start!
If you enjoyed this blog , please LIKE, Follow, Share & leave me a comment! I love your feedback!
If you aren’t following me on Facebook or Instagram, go on over & give a LIKE & Follow me for daily tips & tricks for your home & garden!
Until next time friends, eat fresh, shop local, & have a happy day, Jean
Copyright Policy
All text and images on this site are copyright of For Dragonflies And Me. Unless otherwise noted, you may not use this content.
If you are a regular listener, you all know I love to share the back story with all of you on how I know and met my podcast guest… and this one is really near & dear to my heart.
I met this guy over a decade ago during my Mennonite days behind my table at the Farmington Farmers & Artisans Market. He was a volunteer with the market and always was so happy & energetic about it. He had real passion is the best way to describe it. Of course that’s why we clicked! Our hearts were both in that happy place!!
We became fast friends and soon he became our new Market Manager. He & I talked a lot and he was always looking for information and tips on how to make the market successful… even great! To hear the rest, scroll down to listen!
The FFAM was always a really good market, and by that I mean it was generally a busy market where vendors did really well. The customers were loyal and returned each week rain or shine.
I am super excited to announce I will be teaching gardening & cooking classes at the market once a month May through October.
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