Watering Schedule for Newly Planted Edibles and Medicinals:

• First Week: Water daily to keep the soil evenly moist, especially in hot weather.

• Weeks 2-4: Water 3-4 times per week to encourage root establishment.

• After One Month: Gradually reduce watering to 1-2 times per week, depending on the weather and the specific needs of your plants.

Long-Term Watering:

• Perennials and Shrubs: Once established (after the first season), they generally need deep watering once a week during dry periods.

• Annuals and Herbs: Water regularly, keeping soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.

Tip: Water early in the morning (preferred) or late in the afternoon to reduce evaporation and prevent fungal issues.

General Pruning Guidelines:

• Fruit Trees: Prune in late winter (before new growth starts) to shape and remove dead or diseased branches.

• Medicinal Herbs (e.g., lavender, rosemary): Prune lightly after flowering to promote bushier growth and remove spent flowers.

• Perennial Edibles (e.g., berry bushes): Prune in early spring or after harvest to remove dead wood and encourage new growth.

Pruning Frequency:

• For most perennials and shrubs, prune once or twice a year.

• Regularly remove dead or yellowing leaves to keep plants healthy and reduce pests.

Organic Fertilizer Recommendations:

• First Year: Apply a balanced organic fertilizer (such as a Dr Earth ) once in early spring and again in mid-summer.

• Established Plants: Feed perennials and fruiting plants in early spring with compost, well-rotted manure, or organic fertilizers. Repeat in mid-summer if necessary.

Herbs and Medicinal Plants: Many herbs prefer lean soil, so avoid over-fertilizing. Use a light application of compost or diluted fish emulsion once in the growing season.

Mulching Tips:

• Use organic mulch (such as wood chips, straw, or compost) to help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and reduce weeds.

• Apply a 2-3 inch layer around your plants, keeping it a few inches away from the base of the stems to prevent rot.

• Pile new mulch on top of old mulch to inoculate the new mulch with the native fungi and bacteria.

When to Mulch:

• Apply mulch in Spring or Fall and replenish as needed, especially during hot summer months or before winter to protect roots.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM):

• Beneficial Insects: Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs, lacewings, and predatory wasps by planting flowers like yarrow, dill, or calendula. To retain these populations, consider leaving the dead stalks of flowers for winter habitat.

• Companion Planting: Pair plants that naturally repel pests (e.g., basil with tomatoes, or marigolds with most crops).

• Neem Oil or Insecticidal Soap: Use these organic treatments to control pests like aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies.

Tip: Regularly inspect plants for signs of pests or diseases and address issues early to prevent them from spreading.

Harvesting Guidelines:

• Herbs: Harvest medicinal and culinary herbs when leaves are at their peak, usually just before flowering. Snip in the morning for the highest essential oil content.

• Fruits: Pick fruit when it’s fully ripe to enjoy the best flavor and nutritional benefits. Refer to specific guidelines for each fruit in your garden.

• Vegetables: Harvest when they reach their ideal size. Regular picking encourages more growth.

Tip: For perennial herbs, leave enough foliage after harvesting to allow the plant to continue growing.

Winter Preparation:

• Cold-Hardy Perennials: Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of plants to protect the roots from freezing temperatures.

• Tender Perennials and Medicinals: Consider covering with frost blankets or moving potted plants indoors.

• Fruit Trees and Shrubs: Water deeply in late fall before the ground freezes, and prune any dead or weak branches to prevent winter damage.

Troubleshooting Plant Issues:

• Watering: Check soil moisture. Over or under-watering is the most common issue with new transplants.

• Soil Health: Conduct a soil test to check for nutrient imbalances. Consider adding compost or organic matter to improve soil health.

• Sunlight: Make sure your plants are receiving the appropriate amount of sunlight based on their specific needs.

Tip: Look for signs of pests or disease, and address these issues promptly using organic solutions. Transplant shock is common and could take up to a year to recover fully.

Year-Round Maintenance:

• Spring: Fertilize, mulch, and prune as necessary. Plant new annuals and refresh soil in containers.

• Summer: Water consistently, check for pests, and harvest regularly.

• Fall: Harvest remaining crops, prune fruit trees, and apply mulch to protect roots.

• Winter: Protect tender plants and remove any damaged or diseased plant material.

Best Practices for Long-Term Success:

• Compost: Regularly add compost to improve soil structure and fertility. This builds the soil food web and in turn feeds the root system directly.

• Biodiversity: Incorporate a wide range of edible, medicinal, and pollinator-friendly plants to create a resilient ecosystem.