I can’t say that I have ever had one, but last year I decided I wanted to make one. Unfortunately it was too late in the year. This year I’m going to nail it. I’m going to make and tend to a vegetable garden.

So for all you sustainable-types; or perhaps, for all you frugal types; or… for all you crafty types- now is the time to start figuring out your garden plans and layouts. Although in the mountains it’ll be a bit before plants can be put into the soil outside, get an early jump by sowing seeds indoors though.

Also, take the time to set it all out on paper. Lay out what plants you want to grow, then figure out about when in the year each needs to begin growing based on the last day of frost and how long they should be grown before being put outside. The NOAA site is great for figuring out freeze and frost timing. Also check Victory Seeds’ site and The Farmer’s Almanac for information on specific seeds. Then map out when each plant will become mature.

Making a garden is an awesome way to get beyond the limbo between winter and full-fledged spring. Its also a great way to reconnect with the Earth, linking your life more strongly to the ebbs and flows of seasons and variation in plan life-cycles.

Check out this excellent post from Keeper of the Home for more tips. Also, lets hear from you. What are your personal gardening tips and experiences?

Photo courtesy of sscornelius