From Tax Day to Earth Day and Beyond

Some time between Tax Day (April 15) and Earth Day (April 22), you’ll find me in my Peachtree Corners garden during one of my favorite days of the year- summer planting day. Chances of frost in our area are nil as Mother Nature gives the green light to dig in the dirt to plant all summer veggie delights.

And now that all of the plantings from my early spring are up and thriving, I’m finding little room for everything I want to plant for summertime.

In addition, I’ll have to remember to carve out space to make room for the fall planting season (sometime between my birthday, August 17th- feel free to mark your calendars, and Labor Day).

Yes, I mark all the planting dates with holidays, as it triggers my memory as to when to plant.  With life as busy as it is, I have a hard enough time remembering to pack my kids’ lunches every day let alone when the heck it’s time to plant the arugula, banana peppers, sweet corn and turnips!

What to plant now through May 1  (I recommend buying organic plants/seeds from Farmer D’s Organics Store.  Sometimes you can find them at Whole Foods, Home Depot, Lowes and Pikes, however the selection is very limited):

• Tomatoes (plants - I bought a gorgeous trans-plant for $2.00 from my friend and Jones Bridge Community Garden Coordinator ).
• Corn (seed- must plant at least several rows for pollination)
• Green beans- bush or pole (seed) 
• Zucchini and summer squash (plant or seed)  
• Cucumber (plant or seed) Melons- watermelon, canteloupe, honeydew, etc. (plant or seed)
• Okra (plant or seed)
• Peppers- all varieties (plant)
• Eggplant (plant)
• Sweet potatoes (vine- , so I’ll wait another month or so)
• Herbs- basil, oregano, thyme, etc. (plant)
• Sunflowers and zinnias (seed)
• Marigolds (plant).  I suggest adding these annuals to your vegetable garden; not only are they attractive, the flowers aid in deterring unwelcomed guests- I’m talking about bugs, not your mother-in-law!

Peachtree Corners resident Linda Edwards and Norcross resident Julie Foster of Gardens by Design are hosting their annual plant sale on Friday, April 22 (hey, Earth Day!) from 9:00 a.m.-2:00.p.m. at 4112 Little Leaf Ct., Norcross, GA 30092.  

Top quality plants from local growers including a wide variety of annuals, perennials, tropicals, herbs, vegetables and heirloom tomatoes will be up for grabs.  It was at this sale that I purchased my three years ago.

In addition, Julie's amazing home gardens will be on tour during Norcross' "Blossom" event April 30.  Plus, she and Linda will be on hand to answer questions. 

During the event in historic downtown Norcross, there will be a mini-farmers market, a rain barrel making workshop, and a Spring Open House with the downtown merchants. It'll be a fun day in Norcross for those of us who like to dig in the dirt, so save the date!  Event details at www.aplacetoimagine.com.