www.oakvillebeaver.com · OAKVILLE BEAVER Friday, June 18, 2010 · 24 Spring Home and Garden Vegetable gardens put the family in touch with nature (NC)--Vegetables straight from your own garden or terrace containers are likely to taste better than any other source. The convenience, cost savings, and the connection to nature are equally compelling reasons to do it, even if you only have a small space. Nurturing a vegetable patch together as a family can also be fun, rewarding, and vigorous exercise. To do it with ease, here's a handy little checklist from Scotts Canada, a leader in this field: · Plan: Choose an area that gets at least six hours of full sunlight daily with a source of water nearby. The soil must have good drainage too, so consider building a raised bed, or opt for a few terrace pots first for the experience. · Prepare: Clear the area by removing grass, rocks, or other debris. Loosen the soil and with a tiller and work in a minimum of 5 to 8 centimetres of soil. A good choice is Miracle-Gro Garden Soil Plus . This plantfood enriched gardening soil helps support strong root growth, holds nutrients, improves drainage, and promotes beneficial microorganism activity to produce healthier plant growth with an abundant harvest. · Plant: Timing is everything. Broccoli, carrots, lettuce, peas, and spinach like cooler weather so they can be planted after the last frost. Warm-weather vegetables like corn, tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers should be planted in late May. · Prevent Weeds: To keep them out, add a layer of mulch around the plants. A popular choice for maintaining its colour is Nature Scapes Mulch. · Feed and Water: At the seedling stage, your plants should be kept moist and when watering, aim at the base of the plant. Add nutrition with products like All-Purpose Organic Plant Food in the Miracle-Gro line. With your garden hose, you can also feed and water at the same time with LiquaFeed. · Nurture and Care: You may be surprised how quickly vegetables develop. Most grow from a tiny transplant to a full harvest in 30 to 90 days. Because of this check it regularly for water, pest control--and for the picking! The Regional Municipality of Halton www.halton.ca It's a Lawn NOT a Lake Outdoor Water Use: Great Garden and Patio accessories Change is Good SEASONAL HOME ACCENTS 1410 Speers Road, Unit 1, Oakville 905-827-9337 www.changeisgoodoakville.com TRANE. One Of The Most Recognized Brands In North America. Here's Why... · Extensive Research · Pride in Workmanship · Efficient & Reliable · Built To Last COLOUR Know Your 1151 Bronte Road, Oakville, Onta Know Your Careful Water Use Limited Water Use Stop Water Use 180610 FREE 12-Year Parts & Labour Warranty* Up to $1,200 Value Up to 12 Years on a complete system and 10 Years on single unit *Offer available only on qualifying units and systems through participating Trane dealers in Ontario. Offer not available to new construction accounts. Limited Time Offer. LIMITS. AIR CONDITIONERS · FURNACES · HEAT PUMPS · CLEAN AIR AIR CONDITIONERS · FURNACES · HEAT PUMPS · CLEAN AIR Some conditions apply. Four Winds Summer Sale ends July 4, 2010. $1500 off A/C + over $1500 in eco rebates Four Winds Summer Sale Call us for details 905-825-1066