Wish my black thumbs luck

[Amora]

Here I go...I'm really gonna do it this year! I am planting my own flowers and herbs. I even bought a pair of gardening gloves...I hate the feel of dirt on my hands...ich...it's a personal thing!! Anyway, I bought a book last night entitled the Wicca Garden. Has anyone ever read it? How about any tips in general for a gardening virgin such as myself?? Or please just wish me some..a little..luck????

Thanks!!

[Faery-Wings]

Can I have some of that luck too?

I hope that your garden lives and thrives. I am ready to do the same. Every year since I have been in this house (6!) I buy the plants, put them in the garden, watch them slowly die. It kills me :(

If that book helps, I think I would like to get it too. Could you let me know if it is helpful? Also, I am still learning the moon phases. Is there a time that is better than the other to plant things?

Chris, also has black thumbs

[Hestia]

Wishing you more good luck too! This is the first time I'm going to try flower beds and maybe even a tree or two. Another magickal gardening book that seems to be getting good reviews is Bud, Blossom and Leaf by Dorothy Morrison.

BB:)
Hestia

[Hestia]

Originally posted by chryssi1


Also, I am still learning the moon phases. Is there a time that is better than the other to plant things?



Plant during the waxing moon, preferably the first quarter as it promotes new growth. It's also best to plant when the moon is in a water sign such as Pisces.
Weeding is best done during the waning moon.

BB:)
Hestia

[rantnraven]

Originally posted by Hestia


Plant during the waxing moon, preferably the first quarter as it promotes new growth. It's also best to plant when the moon is in a water sign such as Pisces.
Weeding is best done during the waning moon.

BB:)
Hestia

If you planted when the moon was in Gemini, would they grow double? :D

Watch the PH balance in the soil. Get a good balance prior to planting. If you have to use anything to reduce acidity, wait a week or two before planting.

RnR

[Faery-Wings]

Originally posted by Hestia


Plant during the waxing moon, preferably the first quarter as it promotes new growth. It's also best to plant when the moon is in a water sign such as Pisces.
Weeding is best done during the waning moon.

BB:)
Hestia

Thank you! Now lets see if the weather cooperates at those times. Before I just hoped for a warm, sunny day, now it will have to be in a time frame

:)

[Amora]

Originally posted by rantnraven


Watch the PH balance in the soil. Get a good balance prior to planting. If you have to use anything to reduce acidity, wait a week or two before planting.

RnR

How do you know if the PH balance is off?

[rantnraven]

Originally posted by Amora


How do you know if the PH balance is off?

Take a sample to a local nursery. Or, you can purchase testing kit and do it yourself.

RnR

[Hestia]

Originally posted by rantnraven


If you planted when the moon was in Gemini, would they grow double? :D


RnR

Too cute!

[*ULA*]

Originally posted by Amora
...I hate the feel of dirt on my hands...ich...

Oh! :) But that's the best part! I come home every day with paint and ink and glue all over my hands.. It's great. :)

When I started my garden, I first had to demolish an army of cactii that had taken over my backyard. yeah.. that was.. umm... painful.

hopefully it's easier for you!!

and did you know we have a real horticulturist on the board? :)

lots of luck and love,
*ULA*

[Swanspirit]

Merry Merry
is a great time to plant anything, if you are in a zone where you are past
the last frost. If you are tired of watching plants die, get some help from an
experienced local gardener, who knows the soil and the weather and the plants that thrive.
Another thing would be to find out what plants are "indigeneous" or local to the area,
and will do well where you live. You would be surprised how many beautiful plants are local
and thrive,and help support local wildlife .
Before you plant anything, PLAN your garden, look through books, read and read ,
plant what you love but make sure it will live where you plant it, that is it will have the right amount of sun water shade and drainage etc etc.
But before you do that you might want to tryand get in touch with the local spirits or elementals
in your yard and find out what plants they love. I once had some very tall weeds at the back of my garden,
and my son was asking me why I didnt cut them down, and JUST THEN< a hummingbird flew by,
and fed from the "weed", and he just shrugged and said , "never mind, mom". He is the one
who feeds the squirrels by hand and carries on conversations with them :>.
Before you attempt to garden develop a feel for the area, sense what is going on beneath
the green of the leaves the brown of the soil. I cant turn over a rock without seeing a salamander, and they are such magical creatrures , baby dragons :> they are. Some of the small colorful winged creatures look like fairy
creatures to me :> lacewings and other lovely things. the more you develop a feel and renew the connection with our Blessed Earth, the more you will be in tune with what is growing .
And if your plants are wilting, what kind of nergy are you sending to them??You can sing to them,
talk to them, NO LYING NOW LOL they know if the sun is shining :>.
Love and Light and Greening thumbs to you
Swannie

[Faery-Wings]

Wow, what great advice! Thanks, and if I get a garden growing this year, I promise to post a picture :)

I always did talk to my plants. Of course I always talk to *everything*!!!!! (maybe they died of boredom LOL)

[KyGreenWitch]

Hestia and RnR -

Very good advice, indeed.

To those asking about growing the green thumb - - I have two books, The Green Witch (can't remember the author) and Green Witchcraft by Ann Moura. There are other books out there that are probably better. I usually use the Farmer's Almanac. I come from a line of farmers and we've always planted and harvested, etc. by the moon cycles. Much of what I know is info handed down from generations of farmers. (I'm sure it's written down somewhere. There are lots of fine books that are helpful as well.)

If you have other questions, please ask away. I would be happy to be of service to you. I grow a garden every year and it's quite lovely, I must say! *grin*

Good luck to you! Let me know how you make out!

Blessed be -

[ruthie]

Belated goo luck to you. I too have a lack of green fingers, but since I put some energy into my garden it is coming back tenfold. I hope it is the same for everyone here that is starting down the path of planting. I find it most worthwhile as a passtime.

[Amora]

Thanks to everyone here for the luck and suggestions. I'm feeling really inspired that my efforts will be successful this year. I'll let you all know how it turns out!!!