Great gardens begin with great preparation. Master Gardener Kelly Thompson uses and recommends three key organic products to ensure garden success – whether amending an established bed, planting flowers/vegetables, seeding, or planting a raised bed.
For in-ground planting, we recommend Master Nursery Bumper Crop. This organic soil builder is a powerhouse of nutrients like shellfish compost, earthworm castings, peat and beneficial fungi. Simply spread a two-to three-inch inch layer of Bumper Crop to a depth of six inches.
Water well before and after planting. When seeding a vegetable/flower garden, work Bumper Crop to a depth of six inches, making sure it’s well-blended with your soil.
Sow seed evenly according to instructions on the seed packet. Cover seed with another 1/8 inch of Bumper Crop. To renovate a lawn, simply rake bare spots and loosen compacted soil. Top dress with ¼ to ½ inches of Bumper Crop. Apply seed according to package instructions. Water gently. Keep area watered to ensure germination.
A light application of Peat moss or straw on top is sufficient. For raised beds, we recommend Castine Blend Organic Raised Bed Mix by Coast of Maine – it’s blended with a mix of nutrients such as manure, kelp, and shellfish.
When preparing the site, find a level sunny spot and remove any weeds. Then, loosen soil to a depth of 8-12 inches. Fill your raised bed with mix and rake the area. Now, you’re ready to plant.
Lastly, whether you amended an existing garden or started a bed, we suggest a top-dressing application of NutriPeat – a 100% organic mulch. A two- to three-inch top dressing will inhibit weeds, retain moisture, and protect plants during weather extremes.
After the growing season, the mulch decomposes into a rich humus, building soil structure. Find all of these products and more at Seasons Garden Center, located at 1069 River Road, Washington Crossing, PA 18977. Phone 215-493-4226.