Gaia's
GardenEven those of us on an Earth centered path can use a little help now and then in caring for our Mother. This column is dedicated to making us more aware of the "footprints" we leave on Her and how to live more harmoniously with Her even if we're urban pagans.
Sacred SpaceSolstice is upon us, and any garden you've planted is probably bursting at the seams. As pagans, we are all aware of the need for space, sacred and otherwise. Plants also need their own sacred space in order to grow healthy, full lives. I know it is hard to pull out all those little seedlings you've watched and waited for. What if you pick the wrong one and the one you leave does not flourish? The fact is, that if you don't thin your flower and vegetable seedlings, none of them will flourish. And you have to do it earlier rather than later. If you thin too late, it will be nearly as bad as not thinning at all. Read the directions for plant spacing on the seed packet and please follow them. Seedlings from seeds can be thinned as soon as the secondary or "real" leaves appear. Plant nursery starts should be given the same care and their directions for spacing followed carefully for the best results.
It is also the time to get ruthless with weeds and garden pests.
All the herbicides on the market are not as good as a weed fork and your own elbow grease for eliminating ragweed and dandelions. If you simply can't get the roots, then make sure you head the flowers before they bloom.Buy some ladybugs or praying mantis for aphids infestations. Some wasps are also aphid enemies, but aren't as nice to have around. Trap slugs with a ridge of cornmeal around the beds or with beer/yeast water traps. If all else fails, use gloves and pick them off your plants.
Last but not least, remember to water, even if it rains. Stick your finger into your soil/pots/planters. If it is not damp 2 inches down, water until it is.Happy Gardening!
Kara Shima
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