Getting Started is the Key
Some people may grow their own fruits and veggies so they know where their food comes from, to save money, or to get outside and stay active. If you’re new to gardening, right now is a great time to get something in the ground. In today’s Health Matters with TSET, Amy Slanchik shows us some tips for beginners.
The Importance of Soil
At the root of a good garden is the soil. She said the first step is to learn what the pH level is. County extension offices can typically test a sample of your soil if you pay for a test. There are more than 2,000 types of soil in Oklahoma. The Stephensons have two different pH levels in their backyard.
What to Plant in Early April
Once you know what’s going on in the ground, pay attention to the weather. For early spring, Rebekah says to stick to cool-season crops.
- Pea
- Cabbage
- Onion
- Garlic
- Lettuce
- Potatoes
These can be planted in early spring and are great for the season.
Growing Your Own Herbs
Next, Rebekah went to her greenhouse to plant some herbs: chamomile, mint, lemon balm, sage and cilantro. Amy Slanchik asked Rebekah Stephenson if they could be mixed in one pot. Rebekah replied “Yep, we can mix all these things in one pot.” Amy asked if she should keep it in this pot all summer or take them out. Rebekah said “It depends what you wanna do…The mint’s a perennial but it will spread. It will spread and take over. So be careful with the mint.”
A Word from a Master Gardener
Rebekah Stephenson says: “Being a Master Gardener is more about volunteering, being in the community, trying to help people to succeed.”
Additional Tips From a Master Gardener
Rebekah has these tips for people who want to start a garden:
- Most importantly, just start. Gardening is a skill like anything else, there is no shortcut or life hack that beats just putting some seeds or plants in the ground and getting your hands dirty.
- Pick vegetables that do well in your soil, where you have them planted (ideally in full sun).
- Plant for crop diversity (companion planting) i.e. We are planting potatoes. You can plant peas, cabbage, bush beans, and corn with it (near it).
Getting Hands-On
There’s still a lot to learn. And while Rebekah Stephenson carries the word “master” in front of her gardener title, she says she’s always learning, too. “Being a Master Gardener is more about volunteering, being in the community, trying to help people to succeed.” Rebekah said.
Planting the Seeds for a Beautiful and Healthy Spring
There’s still a lot to learn. Rebekah said, “Planting the seeds for a beautiful and healthy spring is a great way to get started with gardening. Start With the Soil.” She also said, “There are more than 2,000 types of soil in Oklahoma. The Stephensons have two different pH levels in their backyard.”
Getting Started is the Key
Getting started is the key to a successful garden.
Start With the Soil
At the root of a good garden is the soil. Amy Slanchik asked Rebekah if they could be mixed in one pot. Rebekah replied “Yep, we can mix all these things in one pot.” Amy asked if she should keep it in this pot all summer or take them out. Rebekah said “It depends what you wanna do…The mint’s a perennial but it will spread. So be careful with the mint.”
A Word from a Master Gardener
Rebekah Stephenson says: “Being a Master Gardener is more about volunteering, being in the community, trying to help people to succeed.” Rebekah said.
Additional Tips From a Master Gardener
Rebekah has these tips for people who want to start a garden:
-
Most importantly, just start. And while Rebekah Stephenson carries the word “master” in front of her gardener title, she says she’s always learning, too. Rebekah said, “Being a Master Gardener is more about volunteering, being in the community, trying to help people to succeed.” Rebekah said.
Planting the Seeds for a Beautiful and Healthy Spring
There’s still a lot to learn. The Stephensons have two different pH levels in their backyard.”
A Healthy and Active Lifestyle
Some people may grow their own fruits and veggies so they know where their food comes from, to save money, or to get outside and stay active.
What to Plant in Early April
Once you know what’s going on in the ground, pay attention to the weather.
