The Joys of Gardening
Starting a garden is a great way to get outside, enjoy the sunshine and grow delicious fruits and vegetables to snack on. Gardens can be grown in small backyard or large garden plots. They can be grown in pots on an apartment balcony or even in raised beds.If there's a will theres a way!
The goal of this page is to help guide you to your WHY and your HOW to create the garden that works best for you.
Getting Started
1. Choose a spot for the garden
Before tarting a garden, consider where you will put it. Will it be in a small backyard, a larger space? Will you be growing in pots or raised beds? Choose the sunniest spot for your garden. Almost all vegetables and many types of flowering plants need at least 6-8 hours of full sun each day. So you need to observe your yard throughout the day to figure out which spots receive full sun versus partial or full shade. If your yard or space is too shady, you'll most likety have to choose plants that are shade loving plants like leafy greens, spinach and cabbages. Tomatoes and Peppers are sun loving, so choose wisely! Next, make sure the soil is healthy and with good drainage. make any amendments before planting. Read more about Soil Amendments here!
If growing in pots or raised beds, choose what style youd like. Wooden or metal raised beds, the size of the pots, and even configuration. A sunny spot is still key for raised beds and potted plants. Before planting, fill and amend the raised beds with soil and compost before planting. Read more about raised beds here!
2. Consider what you'll be planting
Think about how the garden will serve your needs. Do you want to plant a vegetable garden? An herb garden? A flower garden? Just because you can grow it doesn't always mean you should. Before starting a garden, write a list of fruits and vegetables that you will consume and eat regularly. Think about what you'll grow in bulk for fresh eating and preserving. Put the most desiarble fruits and vegetables on the top priority list and other additional plants on the bottom of the list. Remember, every garden type will require different types of maintenence requirements.
Take measurements of the garden space you will have and plan the top priority plants first. Then choose the next round of plants for the remaining space in the garden. Take into consideration the space requirements and light requiremnets your planst will need. Some plants do not grow well next to each other. It's best to research each plant type you choose to grow before planting in your garden. Check out my garden favorites here!
Take measurements of the garden space you will have and plan the top priority plants first. Then choose the next round of plants for the remaining space in the garden. Take into consideration the space requirements and light requiremnets your planst will need. Some plants do not grow well next to each other. It's best to research each plant type you choose to grow before planting in your garden. Check out my garden favorites here!
Start Planting
After choosing the spot where your garden will be and amending the soil, its time for the fun part! Planting! Will you be purchasing starter plants and jumping right into it? Direct sowing seeds once the last frost date has passed and the ground is workable? Or are you feeling plant saavy and will you get a head start by starting seeds indoors a few weeks before the last frost date?
If you are getting started with seeds, be sure to purchase enough seed starting soil, small planters and flats to hold soil and seeds. Follow seed packet instructions and place the containers on a sunny windowsill or under grow lights if you don't have window space. Be sure to keep the seeds and seedlings moist but not wet, or they may rot.
If you have decided to purchase starter plants at the garden center, you can begin to plant as soona s the last frost date has passed. Dig holes in your prepared bed based on tag instructions. Remove plants from the container by pushing up from the bottom. If the roots have grown into a big ball (also known as being root-bound), use an old fork or your fingers to untangle some outer roots before setting it into the hole. Pat soil into place around the roots, then soak the soil with water.
If you are eager to plant by seed and will be direct sowing into the soil, mark your garden rows well. Wait until the last frost date has passed, you can find your growing zone here. Water the soil first and be sure to read the seed packet to know how deep to plant the seeds and how far to space the rows. Once the seeds begin to sprout, gently thin the seedlings (Pull out excess sprouts from the garden) according to the seed packet.
Learn more about seed starting here!