Preparedness

Preparedness Thought For May

“The Prophet said to plant a garden, so that' what we'll do.

For God has given rich brown soil, the rain and sunshine too.

And if we plant the seeds just right and tend them carefully,

Before we know, good things will grow to feed our family.”

From  Provident Living Website:

Growing a Garden

 “Self-reliance is a product of our work and undergirds all other welfare practices. It is an essential element in our spiritual as well as our temporal well-being.”

—Thomas S. Monson, “Guiding Principles of Personal and Family Welfare, ”
Liahona, Feb. 1987, 5

Planting a garden, even a small one, allows for a greater degree of self-reliance. With the right information and a little practice, individuals and entire families can enjoy the many benefits of planting and tending a garden.

The following information is provided to help you prepare your garden.

Planning a Garden

As you begin to plan and prepare for a garden, here are a few general reminders:

•       Vegetables need at least six hours of sunlight a day.

•       The garden site should be relatively level. If there is a steep slope, run rows of plants across it to prevent erosion.

•       It is a good idea to spade (mix) the soil to a depth of 12 to 14 inches. Adding organic matter such as manure, peat moss, or leaves will benefit the soil.

•       Be careful with fertilizer. All fertilizers have a three-digit code. For vegetable gardens, look for 8-8-8 or 16-16-16.

•       The simplest way to eliminate plant pests is to remove insects, worms, or eggs by hand. Some shake-on powder or liquid bug sprays are relatively safe to use.

•       Proper depth for planting seeds is approximately four times as deep as the seed is thick.

Gardening in Containers

If you don’t have a traditional garden plot, you can plant vegetables and herbs in containers that fit on driveways, balconies, roofs, and even window sills. This activity can be interesting and rewarding for adults and children alike. The following resources provide useful information about gardening in containers.

Its also a good idea to buy extra seeds for storage so you will have them on hand if the need arises. I challenge everyone to plant a garden this year, big or small, plant what your situation will allow; but lets listen to the prophets council to plant a garden.