It is this time of year that most gardeners have their seeds started. The early birds here in the north country may have their soil ready for planting. Others already have their cooler weather crops in.
We have our beds ready quite early for the north country and it is time for us to map out where everything is going. I keep an accurate record each year of where things are planted so I don't repeat plant. Crop rotation is one of the key things to do in order to cut down on disease and depletion of soil nutrients. I have found two great writings that aid in rotation and planning. The first is a pdf file from the Washington State Department of Ecology. It is a "rotation for dummies" type of article full of charts and solid reference material. www.co.thurston.wa.us/health/ehcsg/pdf/CSG_VegeGarden_sglpg.pdf
The other is an on-going blog site from another north country garden across the border in Vermont. I had the pleasure of hosting the owner of Sweet Grass Farm for a writing sabbatical. She writes for High Mowing Organic Seeds, one of those great blogs that is like opening a personal home garden magazine. You may want to bookmark the link for the step-by-step approach on garden planning. http://www.highmowingseeds.com/blog/garden-planning-a-step-by-step-approach . I am so grateful for the high quality seeds that they develop, test and make available.
REMEMBER ~~ Your garden will only be as good as your soil, the plan, and the seeds you use. All of this preparation is worth its weight in fresh veges!
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