
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, April 7, 1994                   TAG: 9404070289
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-2   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: Joe Hunnings
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

PUTTING A BYTE IN YOUR GARDEN PLANNING

Planning a garden can be an overwhelming task for a new gardener. Trying to solve questions of when to plant, how much to plant and how far apart in the row and between rows are just a few of the things a gardener must consider in the garden plan. Even experienced gardeners need to consider changes in garden plans as new vegetables are tried or household size changes.

A tool that might be helpful in planning your vegetable garden is a unique computer garden planner available through your local Extension office. This computer program takes into account your garden size, shape, cultivation methods, your choice of vegetables for fresh use and processed use and the number of family members your are planning for.

What it gives you is a detailed plan for laying out your garden according to the information you provide. You are given specific information about planting and harvest times including succession plantings, plant spacings and tips on disease and insect control for the vegetables you selected.

If you would like to try this computer garden planner program, fill out the form on this page and sent it to the Montgomery County Cooperative Extension Office, P.O. Box 90, Christiansburg, Va. 24073-0090.

Be sure to fill out the form completely. We will run the program for you and send a plan to you within two weeks of receiving your form.

by CNB