Amish Life and Gardening, part 2

Pick up one of my books, and you’re bound to find a gardening scene. Why? Because every time I’ve been to Amish country, I’ve seen folks gardening. Doesn’t matter whether it’s spring, summer or fall, families are out working in their gardens.

Last week I shared with you gardening tips from some of my readers. Here’s the other half. And even if you don’t garden, maybe you can pass these along to someone who does.

My garden tip is 1 tbsp epsom salts in a gal.of water to put on tomatoes for a magnesium boost. Very tasty tomatoes! ~Maria

Don’t throw away your leaves, pile them up, add nitrogen fertilizer to increase rate of composting, and keep them turned.  Next Spring  you will have beginnings of some great soil amendment. ~Denise

When planting plants that like acidic soil add used coffee grounds in the hole before putting in plant. Also can be added every year. ~Linnea

I do not garden, other than mostly Hostas.  But my husband just made a small raised wooden garden for our 3 year old granddaughter.~Lois

When I plant tuber begonias,  I will plant them still in the pot.  Therefore,  in the fall before the frost,  I can just lift the pot out of the ground and place it in a cool place in the basement.  It will be dormant for the winter months,  but by the time it is to replant,  it should be growing again.  And,  it is a great plant because it blooms all summer. ~Kristin

I have a small garden these days but even still, I will forget what I plant where.  So when at the dr. office, I will ask for 2 or 3 tongue depressors or at the hardware store, I ask for 2 or 3 paint stir sticks.  Then I can write on them with a permanent marker what is planted in a certain row or spot, especially if there is more than one variety. For additional protection against rain, will wrap with plastic wrap, then tape/glue. When starting plants in the spring or for use in pots for herbs, will use popsicle sticks.~Diane

To keep dirt out of your fingernails run your fingernail along a bar of soap. This also works when you are wearing gloves. ~Janet

Wonderful! I’ve started my patio garden, and I’m going to try some of these things. Thank you to everyone who wrote in. We have newsletter contests every month, so if you’re not signed up use the button on the top right of this page. Also if you have some tips you’d like to add to this list, feel free to leave a comment.

Blessings,

V