Spring is here, y’all! If you’re planning to try gardening, it’s time to till that soil and get those plants into the ground (or into those pots, if that’s how you roll)!
Follow these 8 simple steps to get you gardening like a pro.
Location, Location, Location
Finding the right spot for your garden is key. Be sure the place you pick is easily accessible, gets a lot of sunlight (8 hours for most veggies), and has access to a water source. If you are short on space, consider going vertical. Besides being a space saver, going vertical has other benefits—including less chance for fungus, more air-circulation, and making harvesting the veggies easier.
Have a Gardening Plan
Make sure you plan out not just your location but also the types of veggies/herbs you want in your garden ahead of time. This way, you can group types of plants together that need similar attention.
Use a Raised Bed
Not only does using a raised bed look great, it also allows you to have the right amount of soil. You need several inches of quality, nutrient-rich soil in order to ensure that your plants will grow and flourish. Another interesting fact about raised beds? They are said to produce four times more than a standard flat bed.
Soil & Mulch
An important part of gardening is the soil. If you are going to invest the time and energy into a garden, you really need to put some thought into the type of soil you use. If you don’t already compost, make sure you to incorporate organic matter into your soil, remove any weeds, and turn the soil.
Mulch is equally as important. Mulching keeps your plant roots cooler in the heat, holds soil moisture, suppresses weeds, and protects your soil from the elements. An extra bonus—it just looks great!
Buy Plants, Not Seeds
As a beginner, make it easy on yourself. Purchase plants rather than seeds. You will have an accurate count of your plants and will be able to plan out your space more accurately. Also, it helps to build confidence right from the start. Don’t take the chance on starting your gardening journey with seeds that never make it out of the gate!
Know your Growing Zone
What works for one location may not work for another. Be sure to consult the USDA Hardiness Zone Map so you can find which plants do best in your area.
Water
Plants need water and sun to grow, so you can’t forget to water them. You also need to know that you can water them too much. Finding the right balance is key. Be sure to water at the root. Too much water on the leaves can cause rot and mold.
Have Fun!
Make the garden experience fun! Keep it simple at first—and enjoy.
