To our friends in cooler climates who may not be scheduled to plant for another few weeks: Congratulations! You're ahead of the curve on planning and scheduling.

To our friends in warmer climates who are past this stage and have already planted their gardens: Congratulations! Isn't it exciting to have all of your seeds and plants in place? If you have questions we haven't addressed yet in this series, please call our Question Hot Line (details below).

Gut Gardeners and 2.0 Gardeners

There are just a few sections to read in your Perelandra Garden Workbook.

For those who prepared plant markers on a cold day in winter, you can skip right to the last paragraph on page 98 that begins "SPRING."

If you missed that step in your preparations, start at the top of page 97, "Translating the Garden Layout from Paper to Soil."

Everybody read through the "HINT" on page 99 for tips on organizing your plants and seeds in ways that will make planting a breeze.

If you have seedlings, plants you grew yourself or plants you bought early, you'll need to start moving them outside soon. Timing depends on your climate so be sure to verify your schedule with your partner (nature!). Read the last two paragraphs on page 157, "Hardening Off."

What else do you need before planting day?

If you're planting peas or beans, have you asked nature if you're to add a "bean booster" or inoculant when planting? If you're planting trees or shrubs, have you asked if you're to add root booster? There are different methods for applying these soil/seed/root supplements. You can also ask nature which is preferred for your seeds or roots.

Will you need trellises, tripods or other plant supports? It's easier on the plants (and you) to have those in place now.

Is your garden in full sun? Will you be adding shade nets for UV protection as your seedlings adjust to the new conditions? Shade nets can also give young plants a chance to strengthen root systems before reaching for the sun. If they aren't in place, putting them in place ahead of planting is much easier than doing it on planting day. (Here's one resource for different types of shade nets: Gardener's Supply.)

If you feel overwhelmed, get stuck or have questions about these instructions, call our Question Hot Line. We enjoy helping you through blocks, and keeping the steps manageable and simple.

Question Hot Line
1-540-937-3679
Wednesdays, 10-8 ET