RAISE IT UP. Raised beds are an ideal option for growing edible plants. They offer convenience and comfort—you can tend to your garden with less bending over or sitting on the ground—and allow for more control over the soil and amendments. What’s more, soil in a raised bed is typically warmer earlier in the season, which will give you a jump-start on your summer garden.

 

VERY VERTICAL. Make the most of your vertical space by incorporating vining veggies—cucumbers, beans, and even cantaloupes—that can be trained on a trellis.

BE WATER WISE. How often and how much you water depends on the climate, soil, and your garden’s sun exposure. Vegetable plants want consistently moist (not soggy) soil, so water low and slow. Test your method, then stick with it, increasing as the weather warms.

FROM THE GROUND UP. As you prepare your garden, remember to take care of the soil. Adding a good quality compost mixed with G&B Organics Planting Mix or using worm castings (an organic form of fertilizer produced from earthworms) will add nutrition, refresh tired soil, and make a world of difference in your harvest.

 

SEEDS HAVE NEEDS. If you start your garden from seeds, be sure to space them based upon how big the plant will get and at the right depth (just below the surface for small seeds and 1-1.5 inches below soil surface for medium to large seeds). Don't overcrowd them or your adult plants will be unhealthy.
 
MULCH MATTERS. Your stone fruit trees may be dormant now, but soon enough they’ll be pushing buds and preparing to fruit. Give them what they need now with a good helping of compost around the base of the tree and a layer of mulch to retain moisture as the weather warms up. Hint: Be sure to keep mulch at least two inches away from the tree trunk to protect it from mold and disease.

 

BORAGE IS YOUR BEST FRIEND. The bright blue flowers of borage (an edible, fast-growing, and attractive annual herb) discourage tomato hornworms and other damaging insects while bringing in bees and additional pollinators—making it both a deterrent and attractant. Plant it in between tomato plants, as well as squash, cucumbers, and other flowering, fruiting plants.

TIMING IS EVERYTHING. Though warm-season veggies are available now, you should wait until the soil warms to 55ºF to plant them—normally mid-April to the beginning of May. If the soil is too cold to sit on comfortably bare-cheeked, it’s too cold for your plants.

PUT DOWN ROOTS. If your tomato plants are leggy or floppy, remove the lower leaves and plant them deeper. They’ll push roots from the stem, which makes for a strong, bushy plant. 

Support our mom-and-pop nurseries this season! Not only will you get high-quality plants and supplies, but they’re staffed with passionate professionals who are ready to provide personalized service and turn your garden dreams into reality.

Bushnell Gardens Nursery, 5255 Douglas Boulevard, Granite Bay, 916-791-4199, bushnellgardens.com

Flower Farm Nursery & Gifts, 9280 Horseshoe Bar Road, Loomis, 916-660-5537, flowerfarmnurseryandgifts.com

El Dorado Nursery, 3931 Durock Road, Suite C, Shingle Springs, 530-676-6556, eldoradonursery.com

Green Acres Nursery & Supply, locations in Folsom, Roseville, Rocklin, Sacramento, Auburn, and Elk Grove, idiggreenacres.com

High Hand Nursery, 3750 Taylor Road, Loomis, 916-652-2065, highhandnursery.com