11 2018 Spring Home & Garden Locally Ow ned and Operated & Equipment Rental Spring Garden Planning This spring, plan your best garden ever — or maybe even your fi rst garden ever. The fi rst step to achieving a well-organ- ized garden is planning. Here’s what you need to know. Talk With Local Experts If this is your fi rst time planning a garden, consult with a regional garden-planting guide. You can fi nd one at most hardware stores or nurseries. If you are a seasoned pro, you probably are already familiar with the timing of your last frost, but you might fi nd some new information by checking with your local professionals. Cottage Grove 40 S. 5th St. (541) 942-1301 STORE HOURS: Mon.-Sat. 8-6 Sun. 9-4 Creswell 104 S. Mill St. (541) 895-4166 Seeds Vs. Seedlings If you are just starting out, seedlings are a safer option. There is no need for you to nurture seeds from infancy when you’re trying to get a handle on your gardening strategy. If you prefer to grow your own, start your seeds inside several weeks before your last frost date. Create a Worksheet This is where you decide what you want to plant, how much of it you want to plant and which vegetables you want to plant next to one another. Tomatoes, peppers, zucchini squash and lettuce are good vegetables for beginners. Don’t forget to contact your local nursery to see what grows best in your area. Beginners: Choosing a Plot Choose a location on your property that receives a lot of sun. Vegetables need at least six hours of direct sunlight each day to grow properly. You also need a space with good, loose soil. If a large garden intimidates you, consider a raised bed. You choose the size and even create a separate area for each vegetable, only taking on what you want. Skipping the Veggies You also could skip planting vegetables altogether and stick with herbs. Not only are they great for seasonal cooking, but they also smell fantastic and each has a unique beauty to it. Plant in beds or in Save Money by Shopping at Local Furniture Store SHOP LOCAL! WE CAN SAVE YOU $$$$ Homestead furniture off ers quality furniture at aff ordable prices. Th ey are a family owned business that has been in the same location in Cottage Grove for almost 50 years. Th e restored historical building’s two fl oors are fi lled with furniture for every room of your home with a vast variety of colors, fabrics, styles and woods to fi t any taste. Th ey carry many name brands of furniture. Well known brands that they stock are Mako, Corsicana, Spring Air, Ashley, Bench Craft , Pure Talalay Bliss (Latex Beds) just to name a few. If you don’t see what you are looking for, don’t hesitate to ask Rob because he can probably get it for you. In addition to their inventory of fi ne furniture, Homestead has a complete fl oor-covering department with whatever you are looking for, vinyl laminates, tile, and carpet. We also feature locally manufactured hardwood cabinets & Jenko furniture. Installation and free estimates are available. Heatizon systems are also available. Financing is available through Synchrony Financial, along with accepting Visa, MasterCard, Discover, & American Express cards. Th e next time you are in the market for new furniture, or updating your fl ooring or carpet, save yourself the trip to Eugene and stop by Homestead to see what they have to off er. You’ll be glad you did! 615 Main Street • Cottage Grove • 541-942-8711 • homesteadcg.com