Get ready to start a garden for the summer. Mark Brincefield, Salisbury Post

By Darrell Blackwelder

Cooperative Extension Service

With the economy almost a daily concern, many people are opting to try and save a few dollars and eat healthier by growing their own vegetables.

There are many first-time gardeners, and, beginning with this article, there will be a series of articles twice a month offering tips for first- time or novice gardeners.

The unusually warm weather has budding gardeners itching to plant; however, rookies should take a few minutes and do some planning before breaking ground. Having a plan may save you hours of heartache and money.

Below are a few gardening tips before you get started.

- Make sure your vegetable plot has enough sunlight. Vegetables need at least eight hours of sun a day for optimum growth. Flower beds near your home often do not get enough sunlight to warrant a pocket garden.

- Have your soil tested. Novice gardeners fail to have soil tests and end up guessing about fertilization. Substantial amounts of time, effort and money, as well as endangering the environment, stems from improper fertilization. Soil test kits are available from Cooperative Extension on Old Concord Road in Salisbury.

- Make sure you have your soil properly tilled before you plant. Weed control is important. Plow or deep-till and wait at least four to six weeks before planting. The wait allows tilled vegetation a chance to decompose. Decaying plants rob vegetable seedlings and transplants of valuable nutrients and may also harbor insects and diseases.

- Don't try to make your soil too fertile with amendments. Some try too hard adding too much compost, manure or other amendments. Adding compost and leaf mold will improve the soil, but don't add too much. Adding 2-3 inches of compost or leaf mold greatly improves not only plant nutrition but helps the soil's structure or workability.- Don't plant too early. Unseasonably warm weather has novice gardeners planting too early. Many can't wait until the danger of frost or cold weather is past before planting tender vegetables like pepper and tomatoes. Late frosts are a common occurrence in late spring and sometimes in early summer.

- Don't overplant. Planting too much is a very common error for novice gardeners. Four squash plants will easily feed a family of four. Research the yields and harvest intervals of vegetables before planting.

- Make sure you can irrigate or have ample water. Vegetables are mostly water and need ample supplies during the summer. Drip irrigation is an effective method of irrigating plants without wasting water. You may want to visit the local farmer's market and save your well if you have a weak well or uncertain of its capability. Make sure you can afford to irrigate.

- Keep a record or gardening journal. It's difficult to remember from year to year how much you planted, varieties, insect pests, where you bought the plants, etc. Keep a log or journal for next season's crop.

- Keep reading. Beginner gardening articles will appear every two weeks on various gardening subjects, from when to plant to how to pick and harvest.

- Information about vegetable and other gardening can be found at the Cooperative Extension Web site at http://rowan.ces.ncsu.edu/ Publications/lawngarden.php or the Rowan Master Gardener Web site http://wwwrowanmastergardener. com.

General vegetable gardening class

Cooperative Extension is sponsoring a class on General Vegetable Gardening, Wednesday, 7 p.m. at the Rowan Public Library in Salisbury.

The class is designed for beginner gardeners and those new to our area who are interested in starting a vegetable garden or for home gardeners who just want to brush up on their gardening skills.

Gardening topics for discussion will include soils, fertility, site selection, raised beds, variety selection and other gardening topics. The class is free and open to the public but space is limited, so please contact Cooperative Extension at 704-216-8970 to register or contact Darrell Blackwelder via e-mail at darrell_blackwelder@ncsu.edu.