05/31/09 Master Gardeners

Q: I want to plant a garden but have so little extra money, and seeds and irrigation water are so expensive. Do you have some tips for me?

A: We do have some tips. Don't purchase seeds of vegetables that you really don't like, and don't waste space planting something that will produce too much for your family. Consider going in with someone else when you purchase seeds.

Splitting a package of carrot seeds will still give you a lot of carrots. Check the local dollar stores, which sometimes have seed packets that are 10 for a dollar.

You won't get a lot of choice on varieties but there will be some of the basics. Watch the newspaper for coupons for seed packets at area stores.

Even though you don't have much money, it might be a good idea to think about perennials. They can be expensive to purchase. However, if you have a generous gardener friend or neighbor, many perennials can be grown from divisions or cuttings that will then produce for years. Asparagus, rhubarb, strawberries, raspberries and grapes can all be started this way.

There are perennial herbs, too, that can do a lot to flavor your meals and will come back each year. Some of these include sage, chives, oregano and thyme. Many of these perennial herbs can be started from seeds or grown from divisions.

Irrigation water is expensive, but we can offer some suggestions to help save water. Irrigate early in the morning when it is cool, not during the heat of the day. Use mulch to help keep moisture in. You can use your grass clippings for mulch as long as there is no herbicide on them.

Q. How can I go more "green" this year in my garden?

A. What a great question. It is so popular to help save Mother Earth, and each and every one of us can have an impact. Keep thinking about the prefix, "re": recycle, replace, replant, reduce and rethink.

Try to replace some of your lawn with other choices and you will cut down on a lot of water waste. Those choices could be planting a drought tolerant ground cover or converting the new area into a patio.

Replace some of your perennials with native plants or at least those that require less water. Consider those that will attract birds, bees and insects into the area.

Birds will help with insect pest control and you will be able to avoid using pesticides. Bees and insects will be the pollinators for the new vegetable garden you will install. You want that new veggie garden so you reduce the use of fossil fuel to haul store produce from distant places.

Get in shape by hauling the old push mower and a rake out of the garage and replacing the gas-powered lawn mower and leaf blower.

Recycle all your garden waste, such as grass clippings, spent flower blooms and fallen leaves, into your compost. This saves landfill space and will benefit your garden as well. Recycle in the garden by using what you have, such as used brick for garden paths and used lumber for benches.

Trying to have a perfect "green" yard will take time and we encourage to go slow with this task. Get the whole family involved, including the children. They might be your best teachers.

* Washington State University Extension Master Gardener Program is an organization of trained volunteers dedicated to horticulture and community service. Questions about gardening, landscaping or the program may be directed toward the Master Gardener Clinic by calling 509-574-1600 or visiting the WSU Extension office at 104 N. First St. in Yakima. New volunteers are welcome.