There are infinite possible reasons for starting your own garden. For many,
it's their love of the Earth and nature. For some, it is a resource to save
money so that
college tuition planning comes with less stress. For me, it's a lifestyle
change. Better produce mixed with a little exercise and vitamin D makes for a
healthier life and possibly a newly found green thumb.
If you fall in any of these categories and are struggling with knowing where
to begin, don’t worry, there are also an infinite number of resources to help
you out. I, for starters have a green thumb and love to share my knowledge with
others. Mostly because I am a hippie at heart and am in tune with nature. and
love our environment. I have hopes to see a world where more people cherish it
as I do. Also,
eatinghealthier never hurt anyone.
Gardening is not hard. Really. All you need is the right tools, proper
space, good soil and a little bit of basic knowledge. The rest will come with
experience.
Essential tools are gardening gloves, sun hat (you don't want skin cancer),
hose, shovel, rake, shears and a trowel. There are of course several other
tools that will make your job easier, but these will do the trick.
Your space will change what you are able to grow, so it is an extremely
important part in the planning. You will want a space that receives plenty of
sunlight. You have a few options. You have 3 good choices: the recommended in
ground garden, raised bed garden and a container garden. All of them will work,
but provide different capabilities. The in ground or traditional garden works
well due to fewer limitations.
The next thing you will want to think about is the types of vegetables you
will grow. This should be tailored around your diet and the foods your family
will eat. I plant a lot of tomatoes as they can be used for a number of
different meals and make great pasta sauces. I also plant peppers as they are
multi purposed as well. The last thing I plant is cucumbers. These are not used
in as many dishes, but I absolutely love them, therefore they don't go to waste.
Once you have decided on the vegetables you will plant, it is time to get
your soil ready. Good soil is imperative to growth. If you are unsure if your
soil is of good quality, take a sample to your local nursery or garden center
and have them test it. A general rule is that you want soil that is slightly
acidic, however that is a general rule and it might be a good idea to talk to
the professional while you are having it tested.
The only thing left to do now is to plant your vegetables. When to do so is
dependent on what you are planting. Understanding when and how to plant
vegetables is similar to trying to balance your checkbook. Due diligence is the
key.
Compare credit cards,
manage your assets, and watch your money tree grow, nourishing your family and
your future.
Vegetables like
tomatoesand peppers require more sunlight where leafy vegetables such as potatoes
will thrive in less sun. Leafy vegetables should be planted in early spring or
late summer, whereas those that require more sunlight should be planted in late
spring or early summer.
After you have planted it is time to watch them grow. Remember that if your
vegetables are browning or drooping they are not receiving enough water from
good old mother nature. You will need to water them yourself or you won't have
vegetables.
