Gardening resolutions

Linn County Master Gardener, Lisa Slattery, shares her gardening resolutions for this year:

I like New Year's resolutions. They are a perfect opportunity to set goals for the garden. My New Year's resolutions include a mix of garden tasks I do each year along with some new things I want to try.

1. Journaling: This is the best way to record your gardening successes and (unfortunate but true) failures. Your journal can be a notebook, spiral binder or a calendar. I like using a calendar because I record specific dates for ordering seeds, planting, harvesting and other tasks. I do keep a journal, but this year's resolution is to take photos of my garden for my journal.

2. Composting: I resolve to better maintain my compost pile. I have a three-bin system and follow the basics, but I resolve to maintain the proper moisture levels, turn my piles more frequently and ensure I have the correct mix of organic materials.

3. Plant Placement: The key to a thriving garden is “the proper plant for the proper place.” I am easily seduced in the spring by interesting plants that just don't work very well in my garden due to the wrong light or soil conditions. I resolve to create a “do-able” wish list of plants to add to my collection that will prosper in my garden. I also resolve to bring the list with me when perusing the local garden centers in the spring.

 I think these three resolutions are reasonable and attainable. I'll keep you posted on my progress. One of the tools I'll use to help me keep my resolutions is the Iowa State University Yard and Garden Extension website

http://www.yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu where there's an enormous amount of information on these three topics and more. There are also dozens of good gardening books and guides at the local libraries and bookstores. And don't forget the ISU Linn County Master Gardener's hortline, public lectures, radio and TV Q&A programs, and classes offered throughout the year. You'll find all of this information and more at

http://www.extension.iastate.edu/linn/yardgarden.htm. So, Happy New Year, may this be the best year yet for your gardens! Now, go set some New Year's Resolutions!!!