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Reflect on 2023 plantings, root for growth in 2024

As I walked around my yard this fall, I was feeling a sense of satisfaction while mentally summing up my good and not so good 2023 experiences. Even though the lot surrounding our new home is small, I have established several perennial beds, a cottage garden, a raised herb bed, and perfected container gardening in fabric grow bags.

The raised herb bed is a delight producing a regular bounty of herbs. A major factor was most likely the soaker hose we use to supply water rather than splashing the leaves which lets disease spores and bacterial cells penetrate the plants and cause infection.

There was a time when the rule of thumb was to scrupulously remove all fallen leaves and dead plant material from flower beds and veggie plots.

Research and experience have shown us that leaving some leaves and plant material provides nutrients and protective mulch as they decay.

But this is not the case for all plants when disease is not a factor.

Leaving leaves to decay in place or using them in compost is a welcome opportunity for us to do our part in protecting nature and wildlife.

I have become selective when choosing which perennials to deadhead or cut back.

There are a good number of seed-bearing perennials such as bee balm (Monarda fistulosa) and purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) that can be left standing. They have sturdy enough stalks to provide perches and welcome seed feasts for small birds throughout the winter.

This year, I grew tomatoes, crooked neck squash, zucchini, lettuce and eggplant in large, fabric grow bags which I lined up across the back of my yard.

Each spring, I fill the bags with new potting soil and beautiful black gold from my compost bin.

The grow bags offer a low-maintenance form of crop rotation eliminating the necessity of planting crops in a different spot each year, now I just move the grow bags plants and all.

Plants from the nightshade family such as tomatoes, peppers and eggplant pick up pathogens from the soil if planted in the same spot year after year. Ideally, three-four years is the best for crop rotation.

Companion planting can take many beneficial forms. Along with the tomatoes and peppers I tuck a marigold and a basil in each pot.

They repel aphids and other insects, and their strong scent discourages the deer that browse my yard and garden on a regular basis mistakenly taking it to be their private smorgasbord.

There is much to learn from gardening and winter brings time for reflection and planning.

If you love gardening like I do, consider joining our Master Gardener Volunteer program.

We have an option house coming up in January where you can learn about our training program, what we do, and how you can join us to share your gardening knowledge with others. Find details at http://go.osu.edu/mgvopenhouse2024 .

Let us all root for growth in 2024!

Novotny is an Ohio State University Extension Master Gardener Volunteer in Mahoning County.

Starting at $2.99/week.

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