May 2006 Newsletter

May is here and the gardening seasoning is underway. In the South, Zone 7, where I live okra, cucumbers, squash, eggplant, sweet corn, herbs (including basil), peppers, tomato, peas, beans, cantaloupes, and melons can either be started as transplants, or directly seeded into the ground. I buy transplants, except for peas, green beans, and okra, to get a head start.

In the next two weeks, I will plant my Moon and Stars watermelon seeds. Moon and Stars is an heirloom variety that I have wanted to try, but I believe the ground is not warm enough yet. In fact, we are in Blackberry Winter I believe, since the high yesterday was only 63, and the evening temperatures got down to the 40's.

In the next two weeks, I will plant my Moon and Stars watermelon seeds. Moon and Stars is an heirloom variety that I have wanted to try, but I believe the ground is not warm enough yet. In fact, we are in Blackberry Winter I believe, since the high yesterday was only 63, and the evening temperatures got down to the 40's.

Annual flowers help brighten the yard and can now be planted. Like most of you, I went to a plant sale last week and bought much more than I needed. They are currently waiting under a shade tree for me to get out and put them in their pots.

If your azaleas are finished blooming, you can prune and shape those and add a layer of compost to help next year's blooms.

Keep on top of weeds! Visit your garden every day, and do small amounts of weeding. You can also put down a layer of newspaper, and cover that with straw. Even the few weeds that make it through will be shallow rooted and easy to pull.

Garden Chick's Garden
Here's a picture of my newly planted herb and vegetable garden. I still have a few herbs to add to my healing garden including yarrow, an aloe plant, clary sage and a peppermint plant. I also need to plant a lavender garden. Included in the culinary garden are: sage, nasturtiums (for edible flowers), chives, oregano, parsley, cilantro, pineapple mint, basil and a rosemary plant. Be sure to check back on my Herb Garden page on the website to monitor the progress of the garden. Email me pictures of your gardens and I will post them to my page: http://www.gardenchick.com/herb_gardens.html

Cool Your Heels!
If May is here, summer can't be far behind. Check out my new product, Cool Your Heels Peppermint Foot Scrub. Each jar is filled with ingredients to sooth and smooth those rough feet just in time for those great summer sandals. Each jar also comes with a high heel charm to make a cute ankle bracelet or add to your charm bracelet. I know your Mom would love a jar for Mothers Day, too. 10% off until June 1^st. If you want it sent to your Mom, add a note in the comments section and I will include a gift card and gift bag.

Visit the Chick:
For anyone in my area, or planning a trip this summer, please visit me at the Southern Region Master Gardener conference June 8-11 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. http://srmgc.tennessee.edufor more information. I will be there June 10^th with a number of other vendors. If you are near the Knoxville, Tennessee area, I will be at Bloom Days sponsored by Friends of the UT Gardens June 23, 24, and 25^th. www.friendsoftheutgardens.org.

Now off to the gardens to get those annuals planted!
Karen