Learn what works here, then enjoy

Sometimes, this is gardening:

Go to the garden center; buy some plants.

Come home; plant them.

If they live, and you like them…

Go buy some more.

If they die…

Don’t buy that kind any more.

On some level, we’ve all done this. But regardless of how your first gardening effort goes – you most likely will learn something from it. Therein lies the key to gardening: knowledge and experience.

Don’t be afraid to garden. If you can learn just two things about gardening in general, and two other things about gardening here in the Inland Northwest specifically, you’re on your way. Let’s get you started.

Gardening in the Inland Northwest

You need to know that we garden in a USDA Zone 5 here. That means plants can survive on temperatures that may drop to minus 10 degrees to minus 20 degrees in the winter and our optimum growing season is generally 110 days. Also, our last frost date is somewhere around May 15 and our first frost date can be around Sept. 15.

Sure, there are other things to learn. About native plants and non-native cultivars and microclimates. About which trees do well here and what shrubs will thrive. But that’s all for your continuing education. For now, that’s the basic information you need to form the foundation for your Inland Northwest gardening experience.

OK, now the two most important things to learn about for gardening in general: Soil and water.

Don’t treat your soil like dirt

Your soil is the source of water, oxygen and nutrients for your plants. Think of it as a living organism that needs to be fed and cared for. In return, it will feed your plants what they need. Prepare your soil for planting, regardless of what you are planting, by adding organic matter such as shredded leaves or compost. Also, make the soil pliable by cultivating it to encourage good drainage. Keep it free of weeds, which compete for water and nutrients.

Be water wise

Learn to water appropriately for what you have planted. Here is a highly scientific method for checking to see if you’re watering enough: Extend the forefinger on your right hand and plunge it into the soil. Peek into the hole you’ve created; is it wet or dry? Then, water accordingly. Mulching also helps retain moisture, keeps roots cool and restricts weeds.

Again, there’s a bunch more you will need to learn as you continue gardening – about fertilizers and propagation and diseases (oh, my!). But along the way, you’ll also discover which corn tastes best and how to get your lettuce started just as early as you can. And how easy zinnias are to grow. Next thing you know, you’re talking integrated pest management at social functions.

Take advantage of the resources available

Gardeners don’t mind sharing their experience; don’t be afraid to ask. Visit our local Master Gardeners’ clinic; read publications; take a class; visit other gardens. Then, the next time you hit the garden center you’ll have a prepared list of things you want to try.

Don’t let the amount of information overwhelm – just get in there and get your hands dirty. You’ll grow right along with your garden.