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gatogrande t1_jacxznn wrote

Straw, now?! Smithfield/land whatever-the-fuck agway changed it's name to on 66, Anderson's in portland, or take a ride to Mackey's in colchester and visit angelo's bakery too

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mynameisnotshamus t1_jadxx5m wrote

I’ve never used straw for anything in a garden. It doesn’t seem to be a necessity.

If it’s a new spot for you, contact your local extension office - google should tell you what that is and send in some soil to be tested. You can the amend the soil as needed to set yourself up well to start.

You can start seeds but I think it’s just easier to wait and buy plants around Mother’s Day.
As someone else said, put a weed barrier down. Slice just enough to plant your plant. Space them properly. Give room to wal between them once they’re fully grown - rows about 4 ft apart should work.

Pay attention to watering needs.

You may need a fence around the garden if you have deer or rabbits or chipmunks or other things…

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gatogrande t1_jae5ccm wrote

Yeah, I dunno why OP is starting now, maybe he has a greenhouse? Maybe he's planting an odd variety not found as plants around here? Gotta ask him. I've always started taters directly in ground. I love straw for moisture retention back off weeds, and fork back in come fall

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mynameisnotshamus t1_jae8xfb wrote

Ahhh. Moisture retention. Got it. I’ve had issues at least early with too much moisture, slugs and some mildew. Every year it’s been a new issue. Last year I didn’t have a garden for first time since having a yard.

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