Hi Rebecca, You can't go wrong with lots of compost. I have a compost pile I put lots of manure, leaves, grass and kitchen scraps in to cook down into black gold. Try googling companion planting for lots of info. My aunt gave me a great tip for awesome onions and that is to burn a wood pile and plant the onions right through the ash(makes for big onions). It is always recommended to have your soil tested but I have not yet done that. I like to keep the chemicals to a minimum and use things like fish emulsion, epsom salt and seaweed. Another good search would be organic gardening. Good luck and have fun, Rhonda

Rebecca you need to contact me! We are at 356 Blackman two houses past Briarwood between Trousdale and Edmonson. Look for the Orange & White checkerboard mailbox. Give me a call (310-4155) and Lavonne & I will be happy to show you around Cheapwood. We can help you get started with a bunch of free stuff. Try to drop by before the swap! BTW, please go to the MTPS website and register. http://www.midtnplantswap.com/registration/registration.html

Compost is THE way to go! We have a compost bin too and they are easily made for next to nothing. Since you don't have one yet, hit Home Depot and snag several bags of Mushroom Compost. They are about $4 a bag.

If you know someone with livestock then load up with dried manure. Most folks will be happy to let you have it for free if you'll just load it yourself. Green (fresh) manure is right out. It will burn your feeder roots and kill the plant.

Jeff

My dad used to put green manure inches away from plants and he had monster size plants. I was always to afraid to try it for fear of it getting too close to the plant or kicking a nugget. lol

Rebecca: Hermitage area here. Check out GardenSafe products (Wal-Mart has them). Neem oil-based pesticides & completely organic. I had good luck also with MG Organic Choice Potting mix for both my starting containers & 16 oz cups they're in now. Home Depot, when I can get there, also has an awesome selection. I get lost in all those doors that lead back to each other sometimes...lol. One example...one of those black metal wire hanging baskets with the straw/peat insert (16 inch diameter) at one un-named store was $6...Home Depot: $3.70. =)

Peace - Steve

Jeff, I am planning to call you this week! I would love to come over and see your yard. Thanks for the offer! I think I saw your house when driving by the other day. I actually live really close to you I think. I live on Garrett. I am getting really excited about the swap!

Rebecca