Page 26 THE VILLADOM TIMES II • March 30, 2011 ����������������������������� (ARA) Vegetable/herb gardening is a trend that’s in, and studies indicate it will continue to grow in popularity. If you’re not growing your own yet it’s time to start. Why? The reasons are as varied as the people who garden. Some do it to save money. Others want to ensure their food is chemical-free, and as safe as possible. Still others grow their own vegetables because fresher is just better. Many do it because gardening is good for you and some do it because it’s still fun to play in the dirt. Whatever your reason for opting to join the karen/janine Americans who 3-2-11 seven million grabbed their gardening gear and grew HomeImpDecBanner6x their own vegetables and herbs last year, your .75” to success is basically the same 6 x road as everyone else’s: planting at the right time, making sure your soil is in shape, weeding and watering responsibly, and feeding and nurturing your plants. You don’t need a farm-sized backyard - or pocketbook - to do it. Avid gardener Stan Cope, president of Bonnie Plants, Tips for starting your own vegetable garden herb garden. Good soil is key. The best soil is loam, a soft, dark, crumbly dirt. Loamy soil holds water, allows for drainage, and is easy to dig. If you encounter clay or sandy soil, add peat moss and bone meal to create a productive gardening base. Size up your space: When plotting out the size of your garden, you’ll want to be sure it’s big enough to yield a good harvest to make your efforts worthwhile. If you’re limited on yard space - or have none at all - you can grow vegetables and herbs in containers on a deck, terrace, balcony, or even on the windowsill. Let the sunshine in: Your plants need plenty of sun - at least six hours a day. A sunny and open location is your best bet for producing a plentiful harvest. Pick your plants for your plot: Grow vegetables that are expensive to buy in the grocery store or at the farmer’s market, such as tomatoes and peppers. Time-saving transplants: When you’re ready to begin planting, opt for transplants - seedlings that have already been started ARA the largest producer of vegetable and herb plants in North America, offers some time-saving tips to make the growing easy: Survey your soil: The first step is to decide where you’ll put your vegetable and - rather than starting from seed. Transplants will buy you lots of time because plants are six weeks or older when you put them in the ground, and you’ll begin harvesting much sooner. Feed your food: Your vegetable plants will need food and water to survive and grow. When feeding plants, try to avoid chemical fertilizers that could potentially seep into groundwater. Try an organically based product like Bonnie Plant Food, a unique soybean oilseed extract formula that has demonstrated superior results in the health and vigor of plants. Give your garden a good watering once or twice a week, although some crops may need more water, especially if your climate is very hot. A thorough soaking, allowing the water to penetrate four to six inches into the soil, is better for plants than frequent shallow watering. Gardening is rewarding. It will bring great pleasure as you bring your produce from plot to plate so you can literally enjoy the fruits of your labor. NEED MULCH? Hardwood • Hemlock Cedar • Oak Colored: Black, Brown, Red Top Soil • Compost Decorative Stone Pruning • Yard Clean Up Small Plantings Installation • Free Estimates • Wholesale and Retail PLEASE TAKE MY HUSBAND ! Need someone to help tackle the honey-do list ? Mature local resident can work on anything from cars to faucets. No job too small. If you are looking for a responsible individual to help you around the house … PLEASE CALL MIKE AT 201-327-3255 RVH MULCH SUPPLY • WYCKOFF, NJ We accept Credit Cards HIC# 13VH05854900 201-891-7100 Keeping Families Warm Since 1929. 3-24-11 Pat/Janine RVHMulchColor3x3(3-23-11) 3 x 3” The Villadom TIMES is giving you the opportunity to present your quality services and merchandise in its special Home Improvement & Decorating section. In The Villadom TIMES, you’ll get the exposure you need in 56,000 homes right in your market area. And, as always, your Villadom TIMES advertising message is conveniently delivered each week by US mail to every residence in the 12 Bergen County towns listed below. ���������������� ������������ ������������� ��������� Serving All Your Home Heating Needs Prompt, Reliable Service You Can Depend On, Plus The Personal Attention You Deserve. • Oil Heat Systems Serviced & Installed • Automatic Fuel Oil Deliveries • Tank Insurance Available �������� ��������� ��������� ��������� WEDNESDAY WEDNESDAY �������� ������� �������� �������� YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD NEWSPAPER Cash ts Discoun il O On Heating s Deliverie 24 Hour 201-891-1000 Emergency Service ����������������������� ������������ Call The Villadom TIMES today to place your advertisement. ZONE 1 - Wyckoff, Midland Park, Franklin Lakes ZONE 2 - Ridgewood, Glen Rock ZONE 3 - Ho-Ho-Kus, Allendale, Waldwick, Saddle River, Upper Saddle River, ZONE 4 - Ramsey, Mahwah �������������������� ��������������