While growing for the health of our planet,
you also gain a happier, more tranquil life,
a healthier heart and delicious, seasonal harvests.
To find out more about the benefits of gardening, read this CNN article or check out this infographic.
So, where do you Start?
Find out what it takes to start a garden in your area. 1. Visit this site to find out what grows at what time of year and when to plant for best results. 2. Choose locally adapted varieties that thrive in your area, as well as vegetables and fruits that don't need a lot of maintenance in your first year of growing.
3. Start small and plant what you are excited about eating- no use in planting something no one in your household likes.
Planning is Key!
1. Find the most ideal space to grow in your yard. Keep in mind that most vegetables and fruits need between 6-8 hours of direct sun a day. Also plan to grow closer to a water source to make it easier on yourself. 2. Check your soil to see if it is adequate for growing in. If not, raised beds might be the best choice for you. You can even plant on your deck or balcony with raised beds! Go Here for 10 possible soil tests you can conduct. 3. Plan out where you will plant what. Draw out a grid and fill in all the available spaces. Keep in mind that most plants do better when planted next to specific plants. Check out this companion guide to help you plan out your garden better depending on what you will grow. 4. Determine what seeds you need to start indoors and which ones can be planted in the ground once the weather gets warm enough. Start seedlings indoors if planting season is near.
Soil Improvements
1. Soil is crucial to the performance of your garden. Make sure there is plenty of organic content and nutrients before you plant. 2. Enrich your soil with compost which provides needed nutrients. 3. Keep your soil soft and airy so that the plant roots can penetrate easily. Proper drainage will ensure that water neither collects on top nor drains away too quickly. Go Here to find out more about soil preparation.
Buy Quality Seeds. Space Smart. Plant Wise.
1.
Visit your local garden supply store to get acquainted with the type of seeds available on the market. Choose high-quality, non-gmo, organic seeds over generic ones and your fruits and vegetables will be that much more nutritious. 2.
You can also find seeds online if you are on a budget and if you plan ahead. Seeds Now and High Mowing Seeds are great websites that have a substantial catalog and can accomodate whatever your seed interests may be. 3.
Research the variety and type of seeds you are growing to space them accordingly and plant next to co-existing varieties. Some seeds need to be starting ahead of time indoors, so read the packaging carefully.
Nurture Your Garden
1."The best fertilizer is the gardener's shadow". So spend time taking care of your plants and they will grow exceptionally in your care! 2. Water Regularly- A rule of thumb for watering is that plants need around one inch of water per week during the growing season. 3. The healthier your garden, the less pest problems you'll have. Take care of pests and bugs the natural way, check out this site to find out how. 4.
Keep a growing diary to track what grew well, which seeds were used, the problems that were encountered. This will make your following growing years much more successful!
Harvest & Enjoy the Fruit of your Labor (literally)
Harvest your produce when it is ready. Check out this site to find out when to harvest. Eat, share & enjoy. And know that you are contributing to a greener earth. Thank you.
Harvest your produce when it is ready. Check out this site to find out when to harvest. Eat, share & enjoy. And know that you are contributing to a greener earth. Thank you.