MARCH AT THE MARSHALL COUNTY CO-OP:  PRE-PLANNING YOUR GARDEN

Spring is just around the corner, and March marks the perfect time to start your gardening preparations! Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a newcomer to the hobby, this month is all about pre-planning and getting your hands dirty for a successful growing season. At the Marshall County Co-op, located in Moundsville, WV., we’re here to help you make the most of your spring gardening endeavors. Let’s dive into some essential tips for garden planning, starting plants indoors, and knowing what you can plant outdoors.

Preparing Your Garden

1. Assess Your Garden Space:

   – Before you begin planting, take some time to assess your garden space. Measure the area you plan to cultivate and consider the amount of sunlight it receives throughout the day. This information will guide your plant selection.

2. Choose Your Plants Wisely:

   – Selecting plants suited to your zone is essential for success. The Marshall County area is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 6, and you can expect a temperate climate with a growing season that typically lasts from late March to early November. Ideal plants for this zone include a variety of vegetables, herbs, and flowers.

3. Create a Garden Plan:

   – Drawing a rough sketch of your garden layout can help you visualize where each plant will go. Take into account the mature sizes of the plants and their sunlight requirements. Companion planting can also optimize space and yield!

Starting Seeds Indoors

One of the best ways to get a jump on your gardening season is to start seeds indoors. Here’s how:

1. Select Seeds:

   – Choose seeds for vegetables and flowers that are suitable for starting indoors. Good options include tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, eggplants, and many herbs. The Marshall County Co-op has a nice variety of seeds along with employees who you can ask questions to. 

2. Gather Supplies:

   – To start your seeds indoors, you’ll need seed trays or pots, a seed-starting mix, labels, and a light source if your windows don’t get enough sunlight. All available at the Co-op.

3. Timing:

   – In Zone 6, you can typically start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your last frost date. This usually falls around mid to late March, so early March is a great time to get started.

4. Planting:

   – Fill your trays with seed-starting mix, plant the seeds according to the depth recommended on the seed packet, and water gently. Keep them moist but not soggy, and place them in a warm location to encourage germination.

5. Light Requirements:

   – Once your seeds sprout, they will need ample light. A sunny windowsill may suffice but consider using grow lights for optimal growth if natural light is limited.

What to Plant Outdoors in March

While some crops need to be started indoors, several can be sown directly outside as the soil begins to warm. In Zone 6, here are some crops you can plant outdoors in March:

1. Cool-Season Vegetables:

   – Plant seeds for cool-season crops such as peas, spinach, kale, lettuce, and radishes. These vegetables thrive in cooler temperatures and can be sown as soon as the soil can be worked.

2. Onions and Garlic:

   – If you didn’t plant garlic last fall, now’s the time to plant it. Onion sets can also be planted now, giving you a head-start for summer harvest.

3. Transplants:

   – If you started some of your plants indoors, you can begin hardening them off towards the end of the month by placing them outside for a few hours each day, gradually increasing the time they spend outside before transplanting them in your garden.

4. Herbs:

   – Some herbs, such as parsley and cilantro, can also be sown directly outdoors now.

Maintaining Your Garden

Once your seeds are planted, be sure to monitor soil moisture and temperature. March weather can be unpredictable, so be prepared to protect your plants from late frosts and harsh weather.

At Marshall County Co-op, we have everything you need to plan and prepare your garden. From seeds and soil to gardening tools and expert advice, we’re here to support your gardening journey. We are located at 400 – 11^th Street in Moundsville so stop by and let’s get your garden growing!