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Images courtesy - Giant Vegetable Growers of Ontario
Gardeners all know that compost mixed in your soil does wonders for your garden, but did you know there is something even better than plain old compost? As the name implies, compost tea is made by steeping compost in water. It’s then used to drench the soil or applied as a spray on foliage. Compost tea has long been used as a mild fertilizer, but it’s the beneficial micro-organisms that led to the resurgence of this plant beverage’s popularity. To read the full article, visit CanadianGardening.com.

Last fall I interviewed a few giant pumpkin growers for an article I was writing. A few of them attributed their huge pumpkin success to compost tea. I've never tried growing a giant pumpkin, but I think this year I'll try feeding my pumpkin patch with compost tea. I haven't had any luck growing a decent sized pumpkin, so maybe this will increase my chances for success!
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Although the temptation to play in the garden is incredible now that the warm spring weather has arrived, I urge you to wait just a little bit longer. I know that it’s hard – especially after having spent the whole winter cooped up inside, but try to resist. Even though spring looks like it’s arrived in southern Ontario, that lovely layer of leaves is blanketing the garden and protecting the new shoots underneath. We may still have a few more frosty mornings to deal with.

Aside from walking around the garden to see what plants are emerging, I did cut back a few perennials and ornamental grasses within three inches from the ground. This will let the sun warm up the soil where the new shoots are about to sprout.

I always enjoy this time of year in the garden. It's the calm before the storm or at least the calm before the onslaught of things to do in the garden! 
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What are you planning on doing this year for Earth Hour? On Saturday, March 27th at 8:30pm, we’re encouraged to turn off the lights, turn off the television, and yes, even turn off the computer. It may seem like a small request, but it helps bring attention to the affects of global warming. Personally, I think we should try to reduce our consumption of electricity on a regular basis, but Earth Hour is a great place to start.

Here are a few tips to celebrate Earth Hour in the garden:

- Replace your patio lights with rechargeable solar lights.

- Look up at the sky! As your neighbours turn off their lights, take the opportunity to appreciate the night sky without the normal light pollution.

- Light a few candles and spend the hour reading through a few garden magazines and books. You’re sure to find inspiration for your own garden.
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