Companion Planting Guidelines [Chart]

Has the planting itch begun yet for the year? It sure has here. The seed catalogs have been arriving, I've been checking out many new ideas on Pinterest and the spring-like weather is starting. Even though I'm busy making maple syrup right now, I know there is so much to get started for my spring gardening.

Of course the first step is always to decide "what" to plant. I suppose that's why this image struck me as a good one to share. I always consider moving my plants around the garden, but sometimes forget about the companion plants. This easy to read chart covers many of the basic garden veggies that I am likely to plant.

Do you ever consider what to plant and where? Companion planting
can improve yield, prevent pests and more!

Will The Change in Hardiness Zones Alter Your Garden Planning?

Like many Michigan gardeners the especially mild winter has raised hope for starting the garden early this year. The trouble is though, that I KNOW we're still likely to have a hard freeze, some snow and possibly a lot more winter. I was interested however when a friend on Michigan's west coast mentioned that her area changed planting zones. Did mine? So I set out to discover and answer to my query.

Gardeners throughout Michigan will notice a change in their planting zones in 2012.
Source: USDA Agricultural Research

Sure enough, my zone has changed from Zone 5 to Zone 6a. An altered planting zone...  What???  What does that mean?  What new plants can I add to my collection that I don't already have, or that I have been dreaming of... I don't know the answer to that just yet, but it is interesting to notice the shift in zones throughout the United States. Changing our hardiness zones is nothing new though, as recently as 2006 there was a big shift in hardiness zones from the 1990's.

So how will our gardens change? Will you try something new in your garden planning that you may not have been able to plant in years past? To find out your current USDA planting zone based upon zip code information, be sure to visit the USDA website.

The Catalogs Have Begun Arriving!!!

Today I received TWO gardening catalogs - An early Burpee catalog and one from the Gardeners Supply Company. So what you're asking yourself... That means that myself and gardeners throughout southeast Michigan have begun to get the "itch". It doesn't help that the cold and snow the past few days has caused some to grumble (not me though)...

I DID find a very cool raised bed "planting tool" on the Gardener's Supply company catalog - And it's something for FREE. Check it out. The tool will help you plan and plant eight types of raised bed gardens from plans for a children's garden, the kitchen garden, and even a high yield garden. I am planning on trying it out this summer for my two 3' x 6' raised bed gardens and my small 3' x 3' raised bed. Looks to be easy and educational!