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A new question came in this week:

“This is my first garden and I have a picket fence. Is this good enough
protection from intruders? Also, do I need to plant my seeds in trays
first or can I put them directly in the ground?, Thank you from Jackson,
MI., Theresa,  P.S. I loved your braiding the garlic video. great job. I
think i will grow garlic also.”

Thanks Theresa, we had fun putting that garlic braiding video together.  Now, about your picket fence…

It depends on what kind of intruders you might have.  Bunnies can dig under, raccoons can climb over, but with a couple tricks (if necessary) you can keep those critters out.  If you dig a trench along your fence and set chicken wire vertically in the trench – basically to extend your fence underground about 2 feet) you will be able to keep bunnies from digging under the fence.  It can also help keep gophers out as well.

For raccoons, you may have to add a loose fence like this one at top of the existing picket fence.  By loosely, I mean loose enough that if they try to climb it, it will flop over and they won’t be able to climb.

There is also a product called Shake-Away Small Critter Repellent for various rodent and squirrel type critters.  There have been mixed reports on  how well it works though.

That said, all of these tricks really only need to be implemented only if you find invaders.  I have squirrels in my yard and for some lucky reason, they don’t care about my garden.  They’re too busy digging in the dirt next to my garden instead.  I can’t explain it.

Now regarding your seeds – if you want to start them in the ground, you can sure try.  I’ve grown just about everything by direct seeding in the ground.  You will want to give them extra protection as they germinate, though.  (like the plastic water bottle trick in my Top 5 Tips that you get when you sign up on the mailing list).    Starting seeds in trays will give you a little more protection against critters and weather until the plants are strong enough to fend for themselves.  I feel that it is a matter of personal preference and whatever you have time and room for.  I now have a growing table and grow lights, so I start a lot of things indoors in trays, but I still start quick germinating things like lettuces and arugula in the ground.  Tomatoes, peppers and eggplant take longer and need more light, so those are definitely tray starters for me.

I hope this helps – and good luck with your first garden!