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Writing by Leslie Dock

Photography by Julia Lea

This summer was a hot one, punctuated by periods of drought and deluges of rain. When conditions lean toward the extreme, there are a host of challenges and concerns for gardeners. Luckily, it’s 2024 and technological developments in garden care abound. Whether you are new to plant care or a leather-necked vet, there are plenty of time-saving products and research-driven care methods to consider.

Don’t be fooled

Even those who consider themselves savvy shoppers are occasionally seduced by a slick marketing campaign. The promise of less work and increased rewards can be hard to pass up, but before you reflexively hit that buy button, take a moment to consider what your plants really need to thrive and if that tech solution will serve those needs well. 

All plants require water, food, light, air and a growing medium. Often the simplest design and most durable is the most user-friendly, effective solution. A fancy Bluetooth sprinkler may seem like a good bet, but if you don’t enjoy programming devices or troubleshooting mechanical repairs, a more simple watering device may be better. 

Lastly, know how much time you want to spend in the garden. If you prefer to get in and out quickly, a product that promises time-saving performance might be for you. But if you see gardening as a refuge from the time constraints and pressures of the modern world, you may only need a sharp pair of pruners, some twine and a trowel. In essence, know thyself before pressing “buy now.” 

Pairing technology with level of experience

Experience is key in the garden. Experience breeds confidence in decision-making and practical application. So, let’s outline three levels of proficiency to help guide you.

Fresh

You are a clean slate, or relatively so. You have no more than one season under your belt with curiosity and optimism to spare.

Growing

You’re no longer a rookie, but still pretty fresh. You are hooked and can produce a decently reliable harvest, but your garden isn’t overflowing just yet.

Seasoned

Both of your thumbs are green. Your garden soil is so on point that you could throw a seed over your shoulder and it would grow. Amazing flavor is your goal.

Fresh

It’s tempting to be wowed by pictures of sumptuous tomatoes and all manner of bottled fertilizers, plant supports, branch clips and fancy irrigation systems. Practically speaking, there are few shortcuts in gardening. 

If you are just starting out, cobble together the basics and start experimenting. “The basics” consist of: 

  • a place to grow (in ground or in a pot) 
  • a reliable water source 
  • seeds or plant starts 
  • at least six hours of sunlight 
  • pruning shears or scissors 
  • gloves 
  • some type of mulch. 

The simpler your initial setup, the more you will learn. For example, when given the choice between the purchase of self-watering pots or used pots gifted by a neighbor, try what’s free and easy first. You’ll get the hang of when and how much to water through trial and error and learn to trust the finger-poke technique. 

Rookies have lots of energy and enthusiasm. Put those qualities to good use by setting a solid foundation for your in-ground garden. Spend a fall or early spring clearing a space for your beds, prepping the ground or building raised beds and constructing a decent fence. It is very tempting to overbuy at this stage and install expensive fencing or an irrigation system. Resist. Focus on learning how to build good soil, water efficiently and closely observing plant growth. 

If your money is absolutely burning a hole in your pocket, sink it into quality tools. Look for forged steel when it comes to shovels, rakes and trowels. This technology has stood the test of time and will always serve you well. When it comes to pruners, buy the best you can afford; they’ll stay sharp longer and won’t fall apart after one season. If maintained, a solid pair of pruners will last many years.

Growing

Training wheels be gone. Your garden is up and running. Convinced this activity is not a passing fancy, it may be time to invest in some infrastructure. 

If you can’t defend it, don’t plant it. Westchester’s deer, rabbit, moles and voles are just waiting to eat your lovely lettuces and carrots. Take the time to build a solid fence that will keep all at bay; it’s worth the cost and effort. 

A proper fence should be at least six feet tall with openings small enough to keep deer out. The posts should be sturdy enough to resist strong winds and occasional “testing” by animals. T-posts will do, but be sure to opt for heavy-duty gauge. To keep smaller critters at bay, fold a 36-inch piece of quarter-inch hardware cloth in half and run 18 inches up and 18 inches out at the bottom. As a general rule, deer will not jump into a small enclosed space. If you plan to create a garden larger than 20 feet in any direction, consider a 7- or 8-foot-tall fence. Note that groundhogs and woodchucks can climb fences. I have seen it. If they are decimating your crops, consider scent or sound deterrents or run an electric charge along the hardware cloth. 

We can’t bring rain on demand, but we can control when and how much we water. Irrigation systems and timers help take the guesswork out of watering, but there are numerous options. I tend to go pretty low tech in my own garden as experience has shown me the merits of an automatic hose timer. Simply attach it to an outdoor faucet and run one or multiple hoses from the unit to a sprinkler or drip system. You can pick up a timer with one hose outlet for about $30. Additional outlets, multiple zones and even Bluetooth capability are all out there. But before you buy, determine the functionality you really need. While I wouldn’t mind adjusting my hose timer from my phone, I am home often enough to make timing adjustments by hand, while the busy corporate professional might find Bluetooth capability essential. It’s all about finding the right equipment to suit your needs and your wallet.

Seasoned

Form, function, beauty—your garden has it all. Experienced as you are, your quest for increased bounty and flavor is ongoing. 

Since amazing taste starts with healthy soil, send a sample to a lab every two or three years. A thorough soil test will provide hard data on the amount of micro- and macronutrients in your soil as well as its pH level. Armed with this knowledge, you can be more definitive about selecting your planting locations, soil amendments, fertilizers and conditioners. The Cornell Cooperative Extension is a great source for comprehensive soil testing and expert advice on all things growing in New York State.

There are a lot, and I mean A LOT, of fertilizers and soil amendments out there. Some tout “bigger blooms” or “massive growth,” but be wary of any product that claims to be lightning in a bottle. 

Commercial fertilizers often isolate nutrients and are intended to provide a short burst of nutrition. They may work, but they will leave you and your plants dependent on them for consistent reapplication. When possible, choose the most natural, low-tech option. 

For example, compost, especially when made with animal manure, contains a healthy dose of the organic matter, nutrients, minerals and microbiology your vegetables need to reach their full potential. Apply two to three inches in early spring and top with mulch. Compost also helps lower soil pH and improve water retention. 

While compost is a wonder drug for plants, it may not fill in some of the gaps noted on that soil test report. For additional amendment needs, consider low-tech natural sources first. For example, try crushed eggshells for a calcium deficiency. Other calcium sources may act faster, but they will likely raise soil pH, which affects nutrient absorption.

Wherever you are in your gardening journey, when you’re considering technological upgrades, ask yourself, ‘What would nature do?’ More often than not, the best choice for nature is the best choice for you.

To read other Connecting with the Land articles, click here.

This article was published in the September/October 2024 edition of Connect to Northern Westchester.

Leslie Dock
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Leslie Dock is an accomplished freelance farmer, gardener, permaculture practitioner and educator based in Katonah. Originally from Wisconsin, she made her way to NYC to pursue a career in acting in 2001. After 15 years in the city and numerous vocations, she moved to Katonah with her family and discovered a passion for agriculture and gardening.

“I feel so lucky to live in Katonah,” Leslie says. “We have access to a small-town community and communion with nature and one of the greatest cities in the world. The only thing missing is a killer taco joint in town.”