Spring is just around the corner (thank goodness!) which means planting season is almost here. Were you thinking of starting a garden? You'll need to:
– Test the soil
– Strategically plan a garden layout
try using http://www.growveg.com/freetrial.aspx
– Buy the necessary seeds, soil, fertilizers
– Save up plastic egg cartons for cheaper seed sprouting (poke drainage holes in the bottom of each space)
– Search for a warm place inside to sprout the seeds, and a sunny, warm place for once they've broke ground
– Start to sprout the seeds indoors depending on the type of plant

Lot's to do! And if you wait, you will miss out on some awesomely fresh spring produce.

What to grow? Consider your options.
– Will your garden have a lot of sun? Or only partial sun?
– Are you a beginner? Try easy to grow varieties such as grape tomatoes, cucumbers, and summer squash.
– How much time do you have? Growing asparagus from seed will take a solid year to produce. On the other hand, rocket salad (aka arugula) is quite fast.
– Which veggies taste best from the garden? TOMATOES and Asparagus stick out in my mind!
– Which veggies are expensive to buy in the store? Fresh peas, herbs, arugula, chamomile.
– Which items are difficult to find? Lemon grass, alfalfa sprouts, lavender

So go visit your local plant nursery for supplies, and get planning! You'll be so glad you did!

Marina Bedrossian is a Northport, NY dietitian nutritionist who helps people with holistic nutrition solutions and food sensitivities. Visit this page to schedule an appointment and don’t forget to join the private Facebook group “Ingredients For Healthy Families” more information here.