The Wexford Conservation District has partnered with a local Cadillac, Michigan radio station (Strong Tower Radio) to bring you the program "Good Growing with the Garden Gal".  Each month, listeners will be able to learn more about growing food in Michigan, and tips and tricks to help them be successful.

Please note:  ​The Wexford Conservation District  had no religious affiliation.  The programs and services  of the District are open to all. 

Introduction

Soil Conservation

How soil erosion happens and local help in working with your soils 

Healthy Soils

Components of healthy soils  - organic matter and pore spaces

Improving Soils

Raised beds, pH, soil testing, fertilizers, and compost can all help improve your soils

January

To Do this Month:

Survey the Forest
​Order Seeds

Early winter is a great time to take a good look at your woods and also to kick back and enjoy perusing seed catalogs

In the Know:

Types of Seeds

Open pollinated, hybrid, heirloom, and genetically modified are terms that describe different types of seed.  In this segment, you'll learn what each of these terms mean.

Crop of the Month:

Onions

Onions are easy to grow from seed, but they take a long season.  Learn about short day and long day onions, and how to have success growing this crop.

February

To Do this Month:

Set up Seed Starting Area

Starting your own seedlings gives you the opportunity to choose  from a wide variety of plants and to produce exceptionally healthy seedlings that are available on your schedule.  Set up your indoor grow area in early winter.

In the Know:

What Does Organic Mean?

Learn what "Certified Organic does and doesn't mean and what some of the controversies around this label are.  

Crop of the Month:

Maple Syrup

Making your own maple syrup can be a fun activity to chase away the winter blues.  Plus, what could be more tasty than this delicious forest crop poured over a stack of pancakes?

March

To Do this Month:

Prune Fruit Trees

The first day of spring is a great time to prune fruit trees.  These tips will help you learn the art and science of pruning fruit trees.

In the Know:

Optimizing Fruit
​Tree Health

Many problems with insects and disease can be reduced or even eliminated by following these steps to optimize the health of your trees.

Crop of the Month:

Raspberries

Raspberries, both red and black, are easy to grow if you learn how the different types of raspberries grow and bear fruit, and then provide them with what they need.

April

To Do this Month:

Prepare for Spring Frosts

You don't have to wait until all danger of frost is past to get your garden growing.  Learn simple steps you can take to get a jump start on spring.

In the Know:

The Pros & Cons of Tillage

In certain situations, tilling your garden can be very beneficial.  In others, tillage can do more harm than good.  Learn ways to use tillage wisely.

Crop of the Month:

Carrots

Grow your own sweet, crunchy carrots!  They are one of the more challenging crops to get started, but after the first moth, they're a breeze.

May

To Do this Month:

​Garden Design Basics

Season length, sunlight, beds vs. rows, sun vs. shade, and irrigation are all discussed ​

In the Know:

​Managing for Challenges

Potato beetles, deer, and drought can all be a threat to your a garden.   Learn how to deal with these and about crop rotation

Crop of the Month:

Pole Beans 
​Increasing Yields

Trellising, and season extension can increase yields.  Pros & cons of tillage  are discussed.

June

To Do this Month:

Managing Nitrogen
Fungal Diseases

June is the month to supply nitrogen to your crops.  It's also the month to take steps to prevent fungal diseases.  Strategies for managing both are presented in this segment.

In the Know:

The Laying Flock

Having your own flock of laying hens will enable you to produce incredibly tasty and nutritious eggs.  Listen to learn the basics.

Crop of the Month:

Strawberries

What says summer more than a red, ripe, juicy strawberry?  These plants will produce for years if cared for properly.

July

To Do this Month:

Managing Insects and Weeds

Weeds and insect management can be significant challenges in July.  Learn strategies for dealing with both.

In the Know:

Food Safety for Gardeners

Gardeners need to be aware of health hazards from manure, animals and birds in the garden, and from  pesticide residues.  Listen now to learn more about food safety strategies. 

Crop of the Month:

Cucumbers

Cucumbers are among the most refreshing of summer vegetables.  Info is provided about different types of cucumbers and how to grow them. 

August 

To Do this Month:

Plant Cover Crops
​Double Cropping

Cover crops can improves soil health dramatically.  Get more per square foot of your garden by growing two crops in the same space in one year.

In the Know:

Where Does the Water Go?

Runoff from rain or irrigation can cause soil erosion, and move certain types of fertilizers and pesticides into our lakes and streams.  

Crop of the Month:

Tomatoes

Big or little, red, green, orange or yellow, tomatoes are  a summer favorite and the number one crop for home gardeners.

September

To Do this Month:

Build a Compost Pile
​Plant Spinach

Spinach grows best when it is planted in late summer and harvested in the spring.  Compost can mature during the fall and winter months.

In the Know:

Take Care of Pollinators

Our native pollinators need sources of food during the autumn, and a place to overwinter.

Crop of the Month:

Cauliflower

It's a bit finicky, and a space hog, but hone-grown cauliflower is a tasty treat.

October

To Do this Month:

Plant Garlic
​Test and Amend the Soil

Now is the time to plant garlic and to prepare your soils for growing next spring.

In the Know:

Soil Biology

Beneficial bacteria, fungi, insects and other organisms can build healthy soils and thus healthy crops.

Crop of the Month:

Apples

Apples are a favorite fall fruit.  Here are some tips and tricks for growing them.

November

To Do this Month:

Put Garden to Bed
Make a  Root Cellar

Taking the time in the fall to do a few simple chores will make for a healthy, inviting garden space in the spring.

In the Know:

Passive Solar Tunnels

The energy from weak sunshine in fall and in the spring can be captured to extend the growing season on both ends of the garden calendar.

Crop of the Month:

Winter Squash

Winter squashes come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors.  Learn how grow and enjoy them through the winter months.
​