Planning Your Garden with a Calendar

Before you start, grab a free printable copy of the 2024 Planting Calendar by zip code from The Old Farmer's Almanac. This calendar helps you know when to start growing veggies in both Spring and Fall. It also includes moon planting dates, an old-age technique that provides the best times to plant based on moon phases.

Cleaning Your Yard and Preparing Your Garden Tools

Clean and sharpen your garden tools to get them ready for Spring. If you're new to composting, now's the time to get started. Testing your soil's pH level and nutrient content is also beneficial (it helps you choose the right plants and fertilizers). You can order a test kit from Amazon.

Preparing Your Soil and Composting

Start your compost box using leaves and plants you’ve pulled up. If you use a box, ensure it can withstand being wet and line it with cardboard before filling it. Or choose an area in your yard.

Composting

Here are some items you can compost:

• Fruit and vegetable peels and scraps
• Rotten fruit and veggies
• Houseplant trimmings
• Coffee grounds and paper filters
• Tea leaves
• Eggshells
• Nutshells (apart from walnuts)
• Hair and fur
• Paper, cardboard, and shredded newspaper
• Napkins, paper towels, and unused toilet paper
• Grass clippings
• Leaves
• Flowers
• Sawdust
• Wood chips

Avoid adding diseased or insect-infested plants to prevent spreading disease.

1. Create your compost pile

Determine where you want your compost heap or bin. Choose an outdoor location with partial shade and good drainage, accessible but removed from pets and wildlife. Your pile should be at least 3 feet in width and height to retain heat. Alternatively, use a compost tumbler for easier mixing.

2. Begin adding materials

Start with a 4–8-inch layer of bulky brown materials like twigs for aeration and drainage. Alternate layers of green materials (food and yard scraps) and brown materials (carbon-rich items like branches, paper, straw, and wood chips). Add water to each layer to keep it moist.

3. Turn the pile regularly

Turn your pile with a shovel or pitchfork to distribute air and moisture evenly. Initially, turn it every 4–7 days, and less often as it matures. Keep it moist with rainwater or add water if needed. If soggy, add more brown materials or turn more frequently to remove excess moisture.

4. Use your compost

Materials take weeks to a year to fully decompose, depending on size, type, moisture levels, and climate. Turn regularly, keep moist, and shred scraps to speed up the process. The finished compost will be dark brown, crumbly, and smell earthy. Use it by mixing with potting soil, sprinkling over your garden, or replacing mulch. You can also brew compost tea by steeping a small amount in water for 24–48 hours, then strain and spray onto plants for added nutrients