March 30, 2009

EXCLUSIVE

Save money at the grocery store by gardening at home

By Roy Mitchell

CENTRE — With the opening of spring's blooms, local green thumbs will soon tend to thoughts of tilling and topsoil.

Because of 2009's spiraling economic conditions, experienced planters may not be the only ones in the garden this spring. The National Gardening Association is projecting a 19 percent increase in home gardening in 2009.

Initial seed sales nationwide appear to confirm the estimate. A spokesman for Burpee Seeds, the largest mail-order seed company in the United States, recently said his company has seen a drastic increase in the demand for vegetable seeds.

Is there any evidence that Cherokee County will also experience such an economy-driven gardening increase? Several local seed sellers tell The Post it is too early in the season to tell.

Jerry Holt of J&M Hardware in Cedar Bluff said most planters begin preparing their garden around Good Friday.

“Last year we had the best seed sales in 10 years,” Holt said.

Wal-Mart in Centre sells small packets of garden seeds and has recorded a steady stream of novice gardeners already this spring, according to manager Shelly Lastinger.

“We have seen a great increase of seed purchases -- vegetables and herbs,” she said.

Not all new gardeners can count on cultivated soil for their plants. Some may be burdened by limited space or rocky ground. As a result, whether a new gardener or a veggie veteran, bale gardening may be the way to go.

Growing vegetables in bales really works because bales provide the two things seeds need to grow.

“For seeds to germinate, all you need is heat and moisture,” said John Sims of the Farmer's Cooperative.

In 2005, The Post published an article on bale gardening, and it has been one of the most frequently read articles at The Post Online. Tomatoes, peppers, squash, cucumbers, green beans, melons and a host of other plants grow well in bales.

The Farmer's Cooperative, Southern States, and Danny's Builder Supply in Centre all carry wheat straw bales.

To plant a hay bale garden, first, around 10 days before planting seeds, place the bales in a sunny location. Soak them with water for three days. On the fourth day, apply 5 oz. of fertilizer, followed by a couple more days of watering. On the seventh day, apply 2.5 oz more fertilizer, followed by a couple more days of watering.

On the 10th day, apply a cup fertilizer and lightly water into the hay bale. On the 11th day, plant seeds by applying a three-inch layer of top soil or potting mix to serve as a bed.

Each bale can hold two tomato plants, four pepper plants, six to eight cucumbers, three yellow squash or 12-15 bean seeds.

Bales can typically be used for two or three seasons.