PREP TIME IN THE POTTING SHED

 Before we even begin to talk about planting, take time to "measure up" and take inventory for the season ahead.

I needed to restock my garden gloves.  I like to keep 3 pair: 1 pair in my garden bucket, 1 pair at the potting bench, and another pair available close to the backdoor for a quick trip out.  I stood in front of the glove rack and tried to remember if the right size was small or medium. 

Then I remembered I had a great chart in my file from Corona that gave hand measurements .  The chart was basically to help make the right size purchase of pruners.  They were marketing a new pruner which featured a dial to control how wide the handles could open according to your hand size.  A quick reminder on pruner care.  Start the season by sharpening the blades and remember to disinfect the blades between pruning jobs and definitely at the end of the day.

Pruners--gloves,  a hand is a hand with measurements.

I measured my hand according to directions and I measured in at a medium which is 3 1/2 - 4 " wide (palm width) and 6 1/2- 8" in height (to top of longest finger).  Small is less than 3 1/4" wide and 6 1/4" in height.  Large is more than 4" wide and more than 8" in height.  Now I will confidently add them to the next shopping trip.  The only decision making will be for the color.

I am a short person and seem to be getting shorter.  Up until late last summer when it broke, I had a short handled shovel.  The shorter handle was  really appreciated after I had to start using a standard shovel.

It was back to the file cabinet for another chart I saved on user height and shovel/spade height (measurement includes blade and handle).  Just like planting the right plant in the right place, a gardener needs to have the right tool size to fit their body profile to make the job easier.  

User height: 5 feet to 5 feet 4 inches                 

                        Shovel/spade height:  42-45 inches

User height:  5 feet 5 inches to 5 feet 9 inches  

                        Shovel/spade height:  46-49 inches

User height:  5 feet 10 inches to 6 feet 3 inches 

                        Shovel/spade height: 50-53 inches    

User height:  6 feet 4 inches to 6 feet 6 inches   

                        Shovel/spade height:  54-55 inches

Digging through old files can be such a walk down memory lane.  I found a communication from 1992 promoting a series of publications from OSU Extension written by Jan Powell and Ray McNeilan titled "Gardening Made Easier".  The series is numbered from EM8498 through EM8505.  EM8499 offers hints for people with arthritis.  EM8500 offers suggestions for people with gripping and lifting problems.  At the time there wasn't on-line access, copies had to be made from the copy sent to the Extension Office.  Now they are all on line.  Modern technology has it's benefits.

I read a powerful book this winter titled "The Well-Gardened Mind - The Restorative Power of Nature" by Sue Stuart-Smith.  Stuart-Smith is a Cambridge University educated psychiatrist and avid gardener.  The author explores the wonders of soil chemistry and gardening on our mental and physical health.   

This is not a DIY garden guide to when to plant and when to fertilize.  It is a confirmation of why we garden and why we should continue to hold classes educating ourselves and encouraging others.  The book is certainly cheaper than a prescription of anti-depressant drugs.  The Deschutes Public Library has copies, both hardcover and electronic.

Speaking of classes --have you registered for Spring Seminar classes?  They start April 3rd.

Don't forget to check out Gardening:  Get Good at It "Butterfly Gardens" on Tues. March 30 on KPOV 88.9 FM between 9-9:30 am.