garden-advisor

# Garden Advisor ## When to Use **Use this skill when:** - User asks about garden advisor - User needs guidance on garden advisor topics - User wants a structured approach to garden advisor **Do NOT use when:** - Request requires professional consultation beyond educational guidance - User needs emergency assistance ## Questions to Ask the User First 1. **What is your USDA Hardiness Zone?** (Look up at planthardiness.ars.usda.gov by zip code) 2. **What type of gardening?** (Vegetable, flower, herb, lawn, indoor plants, container, all) 3. **How much space?** (Backyard, raised beds, containers/patio, balcony, windowsill) 4. **Sun exposure?** (Full sun 6+ hours, partial sun 3-6 hours, shade under 3 hours) 5. **Soil type?** (Clay, sandy, loamy, unknown, container mix) 6. **Experience level?** (First-time, beginner, intermediate, experienced) 7. **Watering situation?** (Hose access, irrigation system, hand watering only, rain-dependent) 8. **Budget?** (Minimal, moderate, willing to invest) 9. **Time commitment?** (Minutes per week, hours per week) 10. **Any specific goals?** (Feed the family, beautiful yard, pollinators, relax, etc.) 11. **Organic preference?** (Strictly organic, prefer organic, open to conventional) 12. **Any challenges?** (Deer, pests, poor soil, drought, short season) ## USDA Hardiness Zone Quick Reference ``` ZONE MAP (approximate, US): Zone 3 (-40 to -30F): Northern MN, WI, ME, MT Zone 4 (-30 to -20F): Upper Midwest, Northern New England, parts of CO Zone 5 (-20 to -10F): IA, IL, IN, OH, PA, CT, parts of CO, UT Zone 6 (-10 to 0F): MO, KY, VA, MD, NJ, parts of KS, OK Zone 7 (0 to 10F): NC, TN, AR, north TX, NM, parts of OR, WA Zone 8 (10 to 20F): SC, GA, AL, MS, central TX, parts of OR, WA Zone 9 (20 to 30F): FL (north), south TX, AZ (south), coastal CA Zone 10 (30 to 40F): FL (south), southern AZ, southern CA, HI YOUR ZONE: ___ LAST FROST DATE (average): _______________ FIRST FROST DATE (average): _______________ GROWING SEASON LENGTH: ___ days ``` ## Vegetable Garden Planning ### Garden Layout Planning ``` VEGETABLE GARDEN PLAN TEMPLATE: Garden Type: [ ] In-ground [ ] Raised bed [ ] Container Dimensions: ___ x ___ feet (or number of containers) Sun exposure: ___ hours per day Water source: _______________ WHAT TO GROW (based on what you eat): Top 10 Beginner-Friendly Vegetables: 1. Tomatoes (high yield, versatile) 2. Lettuce/greens (fast, cut-and-come-again) 3. Zucchini (prolific, easy) 4. Green beans (bush type, easy) 5. Peppers (productive, long harvest) 6. Cucumbers (fast growing, high yield) 7. Herbs: basil, cilantro, parsley (always useful) 8. Radishes (ready in 30 days, great for kids) 9. Carrots (easy in loose soil) 10. Snap peas (spring crop, eat off the vine) SPACE PLANNING (per plant): Tomato: 2-3 sq ft per plant (staked/caged) Pepper: 1.5 sq ft per plant Zucchini: 4-6 sq ft per plant Cucumber: 2 sq ft (trellised) or 6 sq ft (ground) Lettuce: 0.5-1 sq ft per plant Beans (bush): 0.5 sq ft per plant Herbs: 1 sq ft per plant Carrots: 16 per sq ft (square foot gardening) Radishes: 16 per sq ft ``` ### Planting Calendar Template ``` PLANTING CALENDAR (customize to your zone): Zone: ___ Last Frost: ___ First Frost: ___ COOL SEASON CROPS (plant 4-6 weeks before last frost): Start indoors: ___/___ Transplant/direct sow outdoors: ___/___ Crops: Lettuce, spinach, peas, radishes, broccoli, kale, carrots WARM SEASON CROPS (plant after last frost): Start indoors (6-8 weeks before): ___/___ Transplant outdoors (after last frost): ___/___ Direct sow outdoors: ___/___ Crops: Tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, squash, beans, corn FALL GARDEN (plant 8-10 weeks before first frost): Start/direct sow: ___/___ Crops: Lettuce, spinach, radishes, broccoli, kale, beets, carrots SUCCESSION PLANTING: Plant lettuce/greens every 2-3 weeks for continuous harvest Plant beans every 3-4 weeks for extended harvest Plant radishes every 2 weeks ``` ### Companion Planting Guide ``` COMPANION PLANTING CHART: TOMATOES: Good companions: Basil (repels pests, may improve flavor), carrots, marigolds (pest deterrent), parsley Bad companions: Fennel, kohlrabi, potatoes (share blight) Spacing: 2-3 ft apart, basil between plants PEPPERS: Good companions: Basil, carrots, onions, spinach, tomatoes Bad companions: Fennel, kohlrabi Spacing: 18 inches apart CUCUMBERS: Good companions: Beans, corn, peas, radishes, sunflowers Bad companions: Potatoes, aromatic herbs (sage, mint) Spacing: 12 inches on trellis, 36 inches on ground BEANS: Good companions: Corn, squash, cucumbers, carrots, beets Bad companions: Onions, garlic, fennel THE THREE SISTERS (Native American tradition): Corn + Beans + Squash Corn provides structure for beans to climb Beans fix nitrogen for corn and squash Squash shades soil, reducing weeds and moisture loss MARIGOLDS: Plant throughout the garden -- repels many pests French marigolds are most effective for pest control ``` ## Soil Preparation ### Soil Assessment ``` SOIL TEST GUIDE: STEP 1: TEXTURE TEST (jar test) 1. Fill a quart jar 1/3 with garden soil 2. Fill with water, shake vigorously 3. Let settle for 24 hours 4. Bottom layer: Sand (settles in 1 minute) 5. Middle layer: Silt (settles in 4-6 hours) 6. Top layer: Clay (settles in 24 hours) Ideal: Roughly equal parts = loamy soil STEP 2: pH TEST Home test kit: $10-15 at garden center Professional test (recommended): Contact county extension office ($15-25) Ideal range: 6.0-7.0 for most vegetables Too acidic (< 6.0): Add garden lime Too alkaline (> 7.5): Add sulfur or peat moss STEP 3: DRAINAGE TEST 1. Dig a hole 12" deep x 12" wide 2. Fill with water, let drain completely 3. Fill again and time the drainage Ideal: Drains 1-2 inches per hour Too fast (sandy): Add compost for water retention Too slow (clay): Add compost and consider raised beds STEP 4: ORGANIC MATTER ASSESSMENT Dark, crumbly, earthy-smelling soil = good organic content Pale, hard, compacted soil = needs amendment Solution for all soil types: ADD COMPOST (the universal amendment) ``` ### Soil Improvement ``` SOIL AMENDMENT PLAN: FOR ALL SOIL TYPES: - Add 2-4 inches of compost to top of beds annually - Mulch 2-3 inches deep (retains moisture, builds soil) - Avoid walking on garden beds (compaction) - Rotate crops yearly (prevents nutrient depletion) CLAY SOIL: Add: Compost (lots), coarse sand, gypsum Strategy: Raised beds work best over clay Never: Work clay soil when wet (creates concrete-like clumps) SANDY SOIL: Add: Compost (lots), peat moss, coconut coir Strategy: Increase organic matter to hold water and nutrients Mulch: Extra important (moisture retention) ROCKY/THIN SOIL: Strategy: Raised beds with imported soil mix Mix: 1/3 topsoil, 1/3 compost, 1/3 peat or coir CONTAINER MIX (do not use garden soil in containers): Recipe: 1 part peat or coir + 1 part perlite + 1 part compost Or: Buy quality potting mix (not "potting soil" -- check for perlite) ``` ## Organic Pest Management ### Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Approach ``` IPM HIERARCHY (try in this order): LEVEL 1: PREVENTION (best approach) - Healthy soil = healthy plants = pest resistance - Choose disease-resistant varieties - Proper spacing for air circulation - Rotate crops annually - Remove plant debris at season end - Attract beneficial insects with flowers LEVEL 2: PHYSICAL CONTROLS - Hand-pick large pests (hornworms, beetles) - Row covers to prevent insect access - Copper tape for slugs - Traps (yellow sticky traps for aphids, beer traps for slugs) - Water spray to knock off aphids - Barriers (collars for cutworms) LEVEL 3: BIOLOGICAL CONTROLS - Attract or purchase beneficial insects: Ladybugs (eat aphids) Lacewings (eat many soft-bodied pests) Praying mantis (general predators) Parasitic wasps (caterpillar control) - Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) for caterpillars - Nematodes for soil-dwelling pests LEVEL 4: ORGANIC SPRAYS (last resort) - Neem oil (broad spectrum, use in evening to protect bees) - Insecticidal soap (aphids, mites, whiteflies) - Diatomaceous earth (crawling insects, apply when dry) - Pyrethrin (last resort, also kills beneficials) Always start with Level 1 and work up. ``` ### Common Garden Pest Identification | Pest | Signs | Plants Affected | Organic Solution | |------|-------|----------------|-----------------| | Aphids | Sticky residue, curled leaves, clusters on stems | Nearly all | Water spray, ladybugs, insecticidal soap | | Tomato hornworm | Large caterpillar, stripped leaves | Tomatoes, peppers | Hand-pick, Bt spray, attract parasitic wasps | | Squash bug | Wilting leaves, brown eggs on leaf undersides | Squash, cucumbers | Hand-pick, trap boards, neem oil | | Cabbage worm | Holes in leaves, green caterpillars | Brassicas | Row covers, Bt spray, hand-pick | | Slugs/snails | Holes in leaves, slime trails | Lettuce, seedlings | Beer traps, copper barriers, hand-pick at night | | Japanese beetles | Skeletonized leaves, metallic beetles | Many plants | Hand-pick, milky spore (lawn), neem oil | | Deer | Browsed plants, hoof prints | Everything | Fencing (8+ ft), repellent spray, deer-resistant plants | ## Container Gardening ### Container Growing Guide ``` CONTAINER GARDENING ESSENTIALS: CONTAINER SELECTION: Size matters -- bigger is almost always better: - Herbs: 6-8" pot minimum - Lettuce/greens: 6-8" deep, any width - Peppers: 5-gallon minimum (14" diameter) - Tomatoes: 10-gallon minimum (18" diameter) - Cucumbers: 5-gallon with trellis - Zucchini: 10-gallon minimum Material: - Plastic: lightweight, retains moisture, inexpensive - Terra cotta: attractive, breathes, dries faster, heavier - Fabric grow bags: excellent drainage and aeration, portable - Self-watering: best for consistent moisture, less daily attention CRITICAL: All containers must have drainage holes! SOIL: Use quality potting MIX (not garden soil, not topsoil) Add slow-release fertilizer at planting Refresh or replace soil annually WATERING: Containers dry out much faster than in-ground gardens Check daily (stick finger 1" into soil -- dry = water) Water until it drains from bottom Morning watering is ideal Consider self-watering containers or drip irrigation FEEDING: Containers deplete nutrients quickly Fertilize every 1-2 weeks with liquid fertilizer Or use slow-release granular at planting (lasts 3-4 months) Signs of nutrient deficiency: yellowing leaves, poor growth BEST CONTAINER VEGETABLES: - Cherry/patio tomatoes (determinate varieties) - Peppers (all types) - Lettuce and greens (any container) - Herbs (all types) - Radishes (shallow container is fine) - Bush beans - Strawberries - Dwarf cucumbers and squash ``` ## Herb Garden Guide ``` ESSENTIAL HERB GARDEN: CULINARY HERBS (start with these): Basil: Full sun, warm soil, pinch flowers for more leaves Cilantro: Cool weather, bolts in heat, succession plant Parsley: Part shade OK, biennial (lives 2 years) Rosemary: Full sun, well-drained, perennial in zones 7+ Thyme: Full sun, well-drained, perennial, drought tolerant Mint: ANY condition (invasive -- keep in pot!) Chives: Full to part sun, perennial, easy Oregano: Full sun, perennial, spreads easily Sage: Full sun, perennial, drought tolerant Dill: Full sun, direct sow, attracts beneficial insects GROWING TIPS: - Most herbs prefer well-drained soil (don't overwater) - Harvest regularly (promotes bushy growth) - Pinch flowers to keep leaf production going - Most herbs are happier slightly hungry than overfed - Windowsill herbs need 6+ hours of light (or grow light) PRESERVATION: - Freezing: best for basil, cilantro, chives (chop, freeze in ice cube trays with oil) - Drying: best for rosemary, thyme, oregano, sage (hang bundles, air dry) - Herb butter: mix chopped herbs with softened butter, freeze - Herb salt: layer herbs and coarse salt, dry, grind ``` ## Indoor Plant Care ### Houseplant Quick Reference ``` BEGINNER-FRIENDLY HOUSEPLANTS: VERY LOW MAINTENANCE: Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) Light: Low to bright indirect Water: When top 1-2" dry (every 1-2 weeks) Skill: Nearly indestructible Snake Plant (Sansevieria) Light: Low to bright indirect Water: When completely dry (every 2-4 weeks) Skill: Thrives on neglect ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) Light: Low to bright indirect Water: When completely dry (every 2-3 weeks) Skill: Extremely forgiving LOW MAINTENANCE: Spider Plant (Chlorophytum) Light: Bright indirect Water: When top inch dry Bonus: Produces baby plants Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) Light: Low to medium Water: When leaves start to droop (it tells you!) Bonus: Air purifying, flowers Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica) Light: Bright indirect Water: When top 1-2" dry MODERATE CARE: Monstera deliciosa Light: Bright indirect (no direct sun) Water: When top 2" dry Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata) Light: Bright indirect to some direct Water: When top 2" dry, consistent schedule INDOOR PLANT TROUBLESHOOTING: Yellow leaves: Usually overwatering Brown crispy edges: Underwatering or low humidity Leggy/stretching: Not enough light Dropping leaves: Stress (moved, temperature change, draft) Pests (tiny insects): Isolate, wipe with alcohol, neem oil spray ``` ### Watering Schedules ``` INDOOR PLANT WATERING GUIDE: THE GOLDEN RULE: Check the soil, don't follow a calendar. CHECKING METHOD: 1. Stick finger 1-2 inches into soil 2. If dry = water | If moist = wait 3. When watering, water thoroughly until it drains from bottom 4. Empty saucer after 30 minutes (no sitting in water) GENERAL FREQUENCY (varies by conditions): Succulents/cacti: Every 2-4 weeks Snake plant, ZZ, pothos: Every 1-2 weeks Tropical plants: Every 1 week Ferns: Every 3-5 days (keep evenly moist) Peace lily: When leaves droop slightly FACTORS THAT INCREASE WATERING NEEDS: + More light + Higher temperature + Lower humidity + Smaller pot + Terracotta pot (breathes) + Active growing season (spring/summer) FACTORS THAT DECREASE WATERING NEEDS: + Less light + Cooler temperature + Higher humidity + Larger pot + Plastic or glazed pot + Dormant season (fall/winter) ``` ## Lawn Care Schedule ``` LAWN CARE ANNUAL PLAN: SPRING: [ ] Rake out dead grass and thatch (when ground is firm) [ ] Soil test (every 2-3 years, spring is ideal) [ ] Apply pre-emergent herbicide (before soil temp reaches 55F) Organic: corn gluten meal [ ] First mow when grass is actively growing (highest setting) [ ] Begin regular watering if rain is insufficient [ ] Fertilize (light application, organic or slow-release) SUMMER: [ ] Mow high (3-4 inches for cool-season grass, 2-3 for warm-season) Never remove more than 1/3 of grass height at once [ ] Water deeply but infrequently (1" per week including rain) Water early morning (6-10 AM) to reduce disease [ ] Leave clippings on lawn (free fertilizer) [ ] Spot-treat weeds as needed [ ] Reduce mowing frequency during heat/drought FALL (most important season for cool-season lawns): [ ] Aerate (core aeration, especially if compacted) [ ] Overseed thin areas (after aeration) [ ] Fertilize (heaviest application of the year for cool-season) [ ] Continue mowing until growth stops [ ] Final mow slightly shorter than summer height [ ] Rake or mulch fallen leaves (don't let them smother grass) WINTER: [ ] Service mower (sharpen blade, change oil, spark plug) [ ] Stay off frozen grass when possible [ ] Plan spring projects [ ] Order seed or sod if needed ``` ## Output Format When providing gardening advice: ``` GARDEN PLAN Zone: [zone], Location: [region] Garden Type: [vegetable/flower/herb/container/lawn/indoor] Season: [current] Experience Level: [level] WHAT TO DO NOW: 1. [Task] - [brief why] - [how to do it] 2. [Task] - [brief why] - [how to do it] 3. [Task] - [brief why] - [how to do it] WHAT TO PLANT NOW: [Plant list with spacing and care notes] COMING UP NEXT (next 4-6 weeks): [Preview of upcoming tasks and plantings] TROUBLESHOOTING: [Address any specific problems mentioned] SHOPPING LIST: [Seeds/plants, soil amendments, tools needed] Estimated cost: $___ RESOURCES: