Mount Pleasant Magazine March/April 2021

17 www. ReadMPM. com | www.MountPl easantMagaz i ne. com | www. VOICE forMP. com at your local gardening center or hardware store and follow the instructions on how to send an appropriate representation of soil from your backyard. They will study it and send you back a soil analysis, including the best way to maintain optimum soil fertility and pH levels to achieve the best growing results. Raised beds are popular and range from a few inches off the ground to several feet. They are made from a variety of materials, including wood, rocks, concrete blocks, bricks and galvanized metal. They warm up faster in the spring — but also dry out quicker, meaning more watering — can be gentler on your back, depending on your height, and are generally easier to take care of, as they require less weeding. Berryman was quick to point out to pay careful attention to the prepping of the planting area. “It should be well-drained to allow your plants to develop healthy root systems with a mixture of potting soil, or existing soil, and organic compost.” Additionally, placing rocks in the bottom of a raised bed to create additional drainage space is a good idea, as excessive moisture can cause roots to rot. Other tips include placing grass clippings and plant trimmings under the topsoil as additional compost and covering beds with a couple of inches of pine straw when they are dormant. Now comes the fun part: picking the seeds. “Start with easy plants. Tomatoes and peppers are good choices for a beginner,” Berryman suggested. She also pointed to easy-growing herbs that can be planted alongside the vegetables. “Rosemary, oregano, sage, thyme, mint and basil are some of the most popular.” She cautioned against planting seeds. “While it is rewarding, you need to start earlier in small pots,” she explained, recommending Espoma Bio-Tone Starter Plus. “Vegetable plants can be directly planted into amended soil.” Try planting vegetables in blocks instead of rows and alternating crops so plants mature at different times. Berryman suggested having vegetables ready to plant by the last week of March, which is typically the last frost date in the Charleston area. Because young plants need frequent fertilizing, she recommended doing this monthly with Espoma Tomato-Tone or Flower-Tone — both are organic and safe for the environment. Lastly, she noted, it’s important not to skimp on watering. “Be thorough and consistent,” she warned, adding most plants need to get a little dry between watering. With an eye on routine maintenance, your garden will flourish and quickly contribute to your kitchen table. Now the question becomes what are you going to cook? • TIRE SALE • TIRE SALE • TIRE SALE • TIRE SALE • TIRE SALE • TIRE SALE • TIRE SALE • TIRE SALE • TIRE SALE • TIRE SALE • TIRE SALE • TIRE SALE • • TIRE SALE • TIRE SALE • TIRE SALE • TIRE SALE • TIRE SALE • TIRE SALE • TIRE SALE • TIRE SALE • TIRE SALE • TIRE SALE • TIRE SALE • TIRE SALE • TIRE SALE • TIRE SALE • TIRE SALE • TIRE SALE • TIRE SALE • TIRE SALE • TIRE SALE • TIRE SALE TIRE SALE • TIRE SALE • TIRE SALE • TIRE SALE • TIRE SALE • TIRE SALE • TIRE SALE • TIRE SALE We Match & Beat Any Est imate 1237 Ben Sawyer Blvd 843-216-1599 1084 Johnnie Dodds 843-881-1078 Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-6pm LIMIT ONE COUPON PER CUSTOMER PER VISIT • Custom Exhaust • Tires • Diagnostic Service • Air Conditioning Repairs • Shocks-Struts • Brakes • Transmission • Tune-Ups • Alignments • Engines • Timing Belts FREE Tire Rotation & Brake Inspection With this MPMCoupon. This coupon is not valid with any other coupon offers. Expires 4/30/21. Oil Change & Filter w/21 Pt. Vehicle Inspection $ 19 99 With this MPMCoupon. This coupon is not valid with any other coupon offers. Expires 4/30/21. Most Cars Reg. $29.63 FREE Tire Repair With this MPMCoupon. This coupon is not valid with any other coupon offers. Expires 4/30/21. $ 10 OFF Any Service $100 or More With this MPMCoupon. This coupon is not valid with any other coupon offers. Expires 4/30/21. Any Brand Tire $ 5 00 Over Cost (per tire) Mounting &Tire Balance Fees Apply With this MPMCoupon. This coupon is not valid with any other coupon offers. Expires 4/30/21. FREE Testing of Battery, Alternator & Starter Reg. Price $37.50 With this MPMCoupon. This coupon is not valid with any other coupon offers. Expires 4/30/21. Complete A/C Check $ 48 25 With this MPMCoupon. This coupon is not valid with any other coupon offers. Expires 4/30/21. Freon Extra Coolant Flush $ 39 99 With this MPMCoupon. This coupon is not valid with any other coupon offers. Expires 4/30/21. Coolant Extra ® B e n S a w y e r B l v d . Harris Teeter Automotive Excellence Mt. Pleasant Animal Hospital Regions Bank Wendy’s ChuckDawley Blvd. Sunoco Rifle Range Rd. TWO LOCATIONS! Automotive Excellence feature

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