Dear Green My Ballard: I am not a very experienced gardener, and there is a lot of information out there on gardening. I’m getting confused about what to plant, when. I’d really like to get my seeds in as early as possible. Do you have access to just some basic info that’s easy to follow?

Hopeful New Gardener in Ballard

Dear HNGiB:

You are not the only one confused right now … this morning I awoke to white flakes of snow, beautiful yes, but definitely not spring-like. And yes, I agree, there is so much information, much of it conflicting that makes a beginning gardener feel overwhelmed.

You should know that even experienced gardeners feel just as overwhelmed (the more you know, the more there is to do).

First, if you have typical Ballard soil it will be sandy. Amend your soil with compost (can be purchased if you don’t have on hand), a good organic fertilizer (Walt’s, in Ballard makes a good one) and lime. All are easily obtained at a local nursery with directions on the bag.

While you are at the nursery, pick up the seed catalog for Territorial Seed Co. It’s 25 cents, and has loads of good information on growing veggies for our area. Another book that is worth its weight in gold is Seattle Tilth’s "Maritime Northwest Garden Guide."

What’s great about this book is that it’s a calendar, with directions on what to plant when and how to do it. Really, between those two publications you are set!

I’ve planted three things in my garden to date (and I am no expert, in fact, this is only my second year of serious gardening) and those are peas, spinach and radishes. Very easy. The peas will need a structure to grow on, and makes them easier to pick and munch.

If you just do those things you’ve gotten a great start. Are you a hands-on learner? Check out Seattle Tilth and local nurseries for classes.

Through the Seattle Parks Department, Sustainable Ballard is offering free monthly edible gardening classes at Loyal Heights Community Center, along with a monthly support group called the Urban Crop Circle (see the Sustainable Ballard Web site for more info). A great way to hang out with fellow new gardeners as we wend our way through the maze of vegetable choices.

I know there are lots of resources out there, so feel free to chime in, Ballard Gardeners, and help this newbie on his/her way. I’ll see you in the garden.

Rhonda lives in Ballard and is the Urban Crop Circle Project Leader for Sustainable Ballard. Questions, Comments, Ideas? You can reach her at Rhonda@sustainableballard.org.