Planning (and planting) your vegetable garden

There’s more than one way to grow a vegetable garden, but our 227 years of gardening experience give us some insight on the best of them. Having trouble viewing this email? [View this email on the web.]( [Growing Vegetables in Your Garden]( There’s more than one way to grow a garden, but we’re pretty sure that our 227 years of gardening experience give us some insight into the best of those ways. Dear Garden Grower, There’s an old Chinese proverb that goes, “Life begins the day you start a garden.” You could interpret that in a few ways. Literally, planting seeds brings new plant life into your world. Figuratively, working in the garden is refreshing for the soul. Or you can mix the two and think about the future, where a garden nourishes both the spirit and the body, as plants mature and make their way to the dinner table. That look into the future is one thing that we’ve always prided ourselves on here at The Old Farmer’s Almanac, with long-range weather forecasts and, today, with planning our gardens. Now, don’t take this the wrong way. We love gardening. But we’re always in favor of finding ways to be more efficient. That’s why perennial vegetables are some of our favorites—never mind the fact that they are delicious. Perennial vegetables come back on their own, year after year, they require less water and fertilizer than other plants, and their deep roots benefit the ecosystem. Some favorites? - Asparagus: It can take 2 or 3 years of growth before you can harvest this hardy perennial, but it’s one of the first signs of spring in the garden, and it’s oh, so delicious with just a little olive oil, salt, and pepper! - Chives: They grow easily, aren’t fussy about soil, and will thrive in partial shade, and you can even grow them in containers on your windowsill. The leaves and flowers are both edible—and quite tasty. - Jerusalem artichokes (sunchokes): This tuber is neither an artichoke nor from Jerusalem, but it is related to the sunflower, and you can cook the roots mashed or roasted just like you would potatoes or even eat raw in salads. [Start Your Veggies!]( Whether you’re planting perennial or annual vegetables, the secret to gardening success begins before the seeds ever hit the ground. Some plants prefer an indoor start, while others need specific soil conditions in order to thrive. Carrots, for instance, like to be planted 3 to 5 weeks before the last spring frost, which means that if you live in warm sections of the country, you could be planting as early as February. Sweet corn, on the other hand, likes soil temperatures at 70 degrees or higher. And it’s a good idea to start your cucumbers and peppers indoors. In fact, cucumbers do well on top of the refrigerator or water heater, where the seeds can get a little extra warmth [Harvest at Home]( Of course, not everyone has the space to plant rows of sweet corn or a big garden to plan around the spring frost. If you’re short on space, try space-saving varieties of plants for your porch, balcony, urban plot, or garden nook. ‘Patio Pride’ snap peas work in a pot as small as 8 inches, and you can eat them right from the plant. The ‘Little Bing’ tomato takes a little more room. Plant it in a container at least 18 to 24 inches in diameter, and beginning about 60 days later, you’ll be harvesting red cherry tomatoes for weeks. For pepper lovers, the sweet Take 2 ‘Director’s Cut’ Pepper Combo gives you two mild pepper plants in one pot. Or for a sweet burn, try compact ‘Dragon Roll’ shishito peppers. They are about one-tenth as hot as jalapeños and have a smoky taste when they’re immature. [From Landscape to Foodscape]( From the front porch to the front yard, gardens can grow anywhere. If you want to move beyond the container garden and if you have the space, you can reinvent your property. We won’t kid you: Turning your landscape into a foodscape will take work, and some zoning regulations may impact your decision. However, a front yard full of food can be both beautiful and bountiful. Plan it properly, and your yard can be a haven for herbs, an enchanted edible island, and a climate-conscious canvas all in one. You can learn more about perennial vegetables, when, where, and how to start garden, and more useful information, wit, and wisdom with an [Old Farmer’s Almanac]([Gardening Club Charter Membership!]( Special Charter Membership Offer for You— Introducing The Old Farmer's Almanac Gardening Club! The “Gardening Club” is really an incredible value! Just $19.97—That’s a 62% savings! [Yes! Sign me up now!]( With an [Old Farmer’s Almanac Gardening Club Charter Membership](, you’ll get our Old Farmer’s Almanac Garden Guide, our 2019 Gardening Wall Calendar, the special softcover, hangable edition of The Old Farmer’s Almanac, and the full-color monthly EXTRA! digital magazine with garden tips, delightful recipes, and other content not found in the print edition. With an [Old Farmer’s Almanac Gardening Club Charter Membership](, you’ll learn how to: - Plan your best garden ever. Take advantage of Almanac gardening advice, planting dates, timesaving tips, and detailed guidance from experts to get your garden growing like never before. - Blaze a new garden path. Try out some of the growing plans in our new Garden Guide—like 4 Seasons of Fragrance, Fun Foodscapes, or a plan to plant once and pick forever (now, that’s my kind of garden!). - Get a green thumbs-up. Amaze your friends and family with your detailed knowledge of planting facts, folklore, and trivia. [Old Farmer’s Almanac Calendar Club Charter Membership!]( [Tap into the deep well of resources at The Old Farmer’s Almanac for a bountiful harvest of gardening tips and tools—with a Charter Membership in The Old Farmer’s Almanac Gardening Club!]( Announcing [The Old Farmer’s Almanac Gardening Club!](This new and exciting club is designed especially for you—with just the inspiration and information you need for all your gardening projects! We’ve put together essential Old Farmer’s Almanac resources to celebrate your love of gardening and give you tons of tips for making your next gardening project as lush and lovely as it can be. And it all starts, of course, with The Old Farmer’s Almanac. You’ll be prepared for any gardening project. Whether you garden for food, for flowers, or just for fun, a [Charter Membership in The Old Farmer’s Almanac Gardening Club]( will keep you entertained, informed, and inspired all year long! Since 1792, The Old Farmer’s Almanac has been a traditional resource for dedicated farmers, avid and casual gardeners, folks who like to get a long view on upcoming weather trends, and people who love to collect little snippets of country wit and wisdom that they can share with family and friends. We’re not just the oldest published almanac, but the oldest continuously published periodical in North America— and we’ve been around longer than any newspaper or magazine, too. Special Charter Membership Offer for You— Introducing The Old Farmer's Almanac Gardening Club! The “Gardening Club” is really an incredible value! Just $19.97—That’s a 62% savings! [Yes! Sign me up now!]( [Get your Charter Membership in The Old Farmer’s Almanac Gardening Club today—with resources to inspire you in the garden. From time-honored country gardening tips to modern garden gadgets, come share in the bountiful harvest!]( With your Old Farmer’s Almanac Gardening Club Charter Membership, you get everything you need to keep your garden at its greenest: - Our new Old Farmer’s Almanac Garden Guide—packed with no-nonsense tips, tricks, and shortcuts to make your garden a jewel in the neighborhood or out in the country. Grow food and herbs you love, surround yourself with spectacular flowers, and get tips on the latest gardening tech! - 2019 Gardening Wall Calendar: Our perennial best-seller for over 40 years! Rich illustrations accompany useful gardening tips on everything from planting to preserving. - The special softcover, hangable edition of The Old Farmer’s Almanac, loaded with the tips, trivia, and insights that make it a family favorite. - The Old Farmer’s Almanac EXTRA! Our monthly digital magazine includes articles on gardening, food and other content not found in the print edition. It’s a great way to keep up-to-date on Almanacky topics throughout the year. [An Old Farmer’s Almanac Gardening Club Charter Membership will deliver exciting rewards for you—and at a special introductory rate, right now, for all new Charter Members.]( When you join today, you’ll ensure that you are planting the seeds of success for your garden when you tap into the time-honored wisdom of The Old Farmer’s Almanac. Enjoy all these benefits as an Old Farmer’s Almanac Gardening Club Charter Member: - Your best garden ever—Almanac gardening advice, planting dates, timesaving tips, and detailed guidance from experts will get you growing like never before. - You’ll know in advance about every important astronomical event in 2019—and how the phase of the Moon can influence the success of your garden. - You’ll save time and money when you follow all of the practical advice and tips that we deliver to you about everything from gardening to food preparation and cooking. - You’ll be the first to know about top tips, tricks, and shortcuts for taking your garden from good to great. - You’ll learn more about gardening gadgets and gear that can make your work in the garden even more enjoyable. - You’ll discover new approaches to planting—for color, for purpose, for stress relief. - Whether you’re a beginning gardener or a skilled green thumb, you’ll find do-it-yourself projects to fit your schedule—and your garden. How can you not consider becoming an [Old Farmer’s Almanac]([Gardening Club Charter Member?]( [What You’ll Get With an Old Farmer’s Almanac Gardening Club Charter Membership]( There’s so much gardening knowledge to gain as a Charter Member of The Old Farmer’s Almanac Gardening Club: In the convenient, hangable, softcover edition of the 2019 Almanac, you’ll find a bumper crop of gardening tips. Many gardeners consider the Almanac their most valuable tool, so this year, for all of you trying to grow food, we’ve got foolproof advice that promises a harvest the first year and every one thereafter. Perhaps you grow flowers—or want to: In the 2019 Almanac, you’ll learn which flowers are edible, when to pick them, and how to use them (e.g., pick apple blossoms in late spring and sprinkle them onto a Waldorf salad and use impatiens all summer long as a garnish). But that’s not all. Here’s a taste of other tips you’ll find in the 2019 Almanac: - The Faces of Farming: ambitious folks from across the country tell about how they got started, hurdles they faced, and the rewards of working the land - Best days for planting, pruning, weeding, grafting, and controlling pests, plus the easiest-ever soil test (all you need is a pair of men’s clean, white, 100% cotton underwear and a small shovel) - Daily weather forecasts for all regions of the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii - Fresh new ways to savor the asparagus, beet, corn, and cucumber harvests, with “The ABCs of Pickling!” - Easy, delicious, Almanac prize-winning recipes using oranges Each month, you’ll get new articles and original content with our digital magazine, The Old Farmer’s Almanac EXTRA! It’s a treasure trove of Almanac information that you won’t find in the printed edition, including audio and video content. EXTRA! leads you to some interactive fun when you’re ready for a change of pace Special Charter Membership Offer for You— Introducing The Old Farmer's Almanac Gardening Club! The “Gardening Club” is really an incredible value! Just $19.97—That’s a 62% savings! [Yes! Sign me up now!]( As you count the days until you can get out and garden again, enjoy the rich illustrations in our Old Farmer’s Almanac Gardening Calendar. This compact calendar is the perfect size to fit on the wall in your kitchen, den, or potting shed. Each month features rich, full-color illustrations along with tips, history, or background information on the artwork. Here are just a few of the tips you can find in our 2019 Gardening Calendar: - Start an indoor herb garden (no waiting for the last frost!). - Choose the perfect fast-growing ground cover. - Enhance your garden’s growth by inviting beneficial fauna. - Pick the perfect time to plant peas—based on fact and folklore. - Build your own bog—in a garden container! - Find out why ladybugs are such great garden friends. - Grow your own flower garden designed to create custom fabric dyes. - Praying mantises: helpers or hindrances in the garden? - As you do your garden planning, save some space for flying saucer squash. You’ll love the advice, folklore, and gardening secrets in our 2019 Gardening Wall Calendar! As you count the days until you can expect the last frost, peruse the pages of The Old Farmer’s Almanac Garden Guide for tips on how to grow better, naturally! From the practical to the ornamental, plan your prolific garden with some of these tips: - Plant edibles indoors and out, no matter how small your space is. - Create a fun foodscape (or: How to get beyond the basic lawn). - Get your garden off to a good start with tips on successful seedlings. - The plants that keep on giving: Pick perennials to serve up year after year. - Serve up your harvest in style with recipes that will let you savor the flavor of homegrown food. And all of this is available to you—right now—when you claim your Old Farmer’s Almanac Gardening Club Charter Membership Special Charter Membership Offer for You— Introducing The Old Farmer's Almanac Gardening Club! The “Gardening Club” is really an incredible value! Just $19.97—That’s a 62% savings! [Yes! Sign me up now!]( What are you waiting for? Become a [Charter Member of The Old Farmer’s Almanac Gardening Club]( today! No other Almanac has so many fun and fascinating facts, timely and accurate events and predictions, and topical and useful articles all in one place for your easy access and use—and covering more regions of North America than any other almanac or resource! Add The Old Farmer’s Almanac EXTRA!, The Old Farmer’s Almanac Gardening Calendar, and The Old Farmer’s Almanac Garden Guide, and your garden will be the prolific pride of the neighborhood! [Why Not Join Right Now?]( Gardeners everywhere have been using The Old Farmer’s Almanac for years to guide their gardening plans, and now The Old Farmer’s Almanac Gardening Club Charter Membership offers you all things gardening in one place! 62%-OFF Charter Offer for You—Join Today! When you respond today, you’ll be among a select group of Almanac friends to take advantage of this special Gardening Club Charter Membership offer. With your Charter Membership, you’ll receive The Old Farmer’s Almanac Garden Guide, The Old Farmer’s Almanac Gardening Calendar, The 2019 Old Farmer’s Almanac, and a subscription to our monthly digital magazine, The Old Farmer’s Almanac EXTRA! Plant the seeds of success for your garden today—with this incredible deal! [This is a limited-time offer that you should take advantage of right now.]( When we first created the Gardening Club, we wanted to make it easy to use, easy to order, and packed with valuable gardening content that you could put to use right away. Be the best gardener you can be with your Old Farmer’s Almanac Gardening Club Charter Membership. Sincerely, Janice Stillman Editor, The Old Farmer’s Almanac P.S. Why not be among the first to join us today and benefit from the valuable Almanac gardening information that you can’t get anywhere else? Become an [Old Farmer’s Almanac Gardening Club Charter Member](today—while this special offer lasts Special Charter Membership Offer for You— Introducing The Old Farmer's Almanac Gardening Club! The “Gardening Club” is really an incredible value! Just $19.97—That’s a 62% savings! [Yes! Sign me up now!]( [facebook]( [twitter]( [pinterest]( [Instagram]( [Google Plus]( You are receiving this e-mail message because you subscribed at our Web site: [Almanac.com]( If you do not wish to receive our regular e-mail digital magazine in the future, please [click here to m]([anage preferences](. *Please do not reply to this e-mail* [Update your email address here]( To report corrections or inquire about your account, products, editorial, technical issues, [visit our Help Page]( © 2018 Yankee Publishing Inc. All rights reserved. [View web version](