Getting started with a garden

[kama'aina mama]

Maybe I am just procrastinating, but I am really intimidated to get started. I have a compost pile started in a garbage can and I think I have my plot picked out, but it just looks huge! I am worried I will kill myself digging up half my yard and then fail to grow anything. Also, I am going to be gone for two weeks over the holidays, should I wait til after to plant anything? Don't even get me started on what to plant and how much. Help!!!!!

[rsps]

I don't know much about the planting seasons for your part of the world, but I'd suggest starting small. Maybe dig a 3x3 to 6x6 foot area to start, as you get more into the swing of things you'll be itching to expand.

[Chanley]

Bah!!! Procrastination!!!

Gardeners are dreamers and you can do that any time of year. You are lucky to live in Hawaii cause it has an awesome climate for plants and few bugs. My advice would be to go to some local nurseries, when they are not busy. look at the plants and talk to the people there. At a good nursery the workers should be very knowledgable about plants and your area. Take a notebook and make a list of everything you like and would like to grow, ask questions and then come home and research your plants. (this is the hard core way to get started)

What are you wanting to grow? Veggies?? If so, ask them about winter or early spring crops. You may think you are too late but some things are ready to be planted NOW!!!

Good luck and we welcome the questions.

[m&m]

my mom is a great organic gardener and one of her tips is to put pantyhose on broccoli and cauliflower - the bugs can't eat through as much and yet the plant grows beautifully.

good luck