Gardening and Growing
Planning a Garden
Starting a garden is an exciting thing! It’s fun to think about all of the yummy produce and beautiful flowers that will be coming your way. Before getting to that point, there is a lot of thought and planning that has to go into a garden. Here are a few things to think about before planting…
Site Location
This is the place you are going to create your garden. The most important thing is to look for a sunny spot. Keep it away from any trees or large shrubs that will produce a lot of shade. Avoid low spots that will collect water because your plants will receive too much water there. If possible, keep the location close to a water source to make irrigation easier.
*Keep in mind, very few people have an ‘ideal’ location….just choose the best spot possible!
Garden Size
There are a few factors that you should consider when determining how large your garden should be.
Purpose: Why are you planting a garden? If you are trying to feed your family, think about how many people will be eating food. Gardeners looking to can or preserve their harvest will need to produce a lot more. If you are doing it for fun, a smaller garden may be a better place to start.
Chosen Vegeteables: Think about the crops you intend to plant. Some vegetables can require up to 3 feet of space in order to grow well.
Available Space: Depending on where you live, you might have room for a larger garden. Maybe you can only plant in garden boxes or pots… that’s still gardening!
Time: The larger the garden, the more time will be required to maintain the space. Think about how much time you have to devote to your garden.
What to Grow
Pick fruits, vegetables, and flowers that you like! You want to enjoy your harvest and use what you have planted. When listing your favorites, be sure to keep in mind the amount of space each variety will need. Make sure your garden is large enough to accommodate the space. Another thing to consider is the cost of produce in stores. Certain vegetables are expensive to buy but are easy and inexpensive to grow.
Layout
Once you have determined the garden’s size and the types of vegetables to plant, it is time to determine a layout. Creating a blueprint or sketch can help keep things organized. Think about the plant characteristics and needs. Keep taller vegetables on the north side of the garden so that they do not create shadows on smaller plants. Vine plants will need to be located near a fence or trellis. Planting vegetables with similar timing close together will also make replanting easier.
Sowing Seeds
There are a couple of ways to get a garden started. You can go and buy plant starts from a nursery or greenhouse. These are plants that have sprouted from seeds and have already grown a decent root system. You can bring them home and transplant them into the ground or into pots of your choosing. Another option is to plant seeds yourself. This is called sowing seeds. Follow these simple steps to sow your own seeds!
Step 1: Grab containers or trays that could be used to grow seeds in. Fill them with soil.
Step 2: Using your finger or a pen, create a small hole (about 1/4 inch deep) in each container.
Step 3: Open the seed packet and place a couple seeds in each container. Be sure to read the directions for specific instructions.
Step 4: Cover the seeds by pushing soil over the top and add some water.
Step 5: Set the containers in a sunny location away from any hazards. Continuously monitor and water as needed.
Five Plant Essentials
Just like humans and animals, plants also need certain things to grow big and strong. There are billions of plant species in the world, so keep in mind that every type of plant will need each of these things in different amounts.
Water
Water is a necessity for every living thing on Earth including plants. Even succulents and cactus plants that require little water would die without this life giving substance. Plants need water to create food and collect nutrients. As water runs through the soil it absorbs nutrients. The roots will then soak up this nutrient-rich water. As great as water is, overwatering is just as detrimental as not watering at all.
Sunlight
Plants use sunlight to perform photosynthesis. The chlorophyll in their leaves will capture the energy of the sun to transform water and carbon dioxide into sugars. These sugars, called glucose, are plant food. Without it, plants would not be able to keep their leaves green, grow flowers, or produce fruit. That being said, most plants cannot stand full sun all day. This will dry them out and kill their leaves.
Nutrients
Nutrients for plants are like the vitamins and minerals we need. They help the plant grow strong and healthy. There are three primary nutrients: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. They also require minimal amounts of calcium, sulphur, and magnesium. Basic soil tests can help you determine what nutrients are already present in your soil. Potting soil comes pre-packed with these key ingredients. If you find that your soil is lacking in nutrients, simply adding organic matter like compost can help put those nutrients back in the ground.
Air
Plants require air in order to complete photosynthesis. Where humans use oxygen and exhale carbon dixoide, plants are the opposite. They require oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide… plants are the opposite. They require carbon dioxide for photosynthesis and release oxygen back into the atmosphere. This respiration can take place anywhere on the plant including the roots, stem, leaves, and even the flower!
Space
Plants need lots of room to grow. Many will grow to fill an open space. This is why many trees seem to create an arch over roads and trails. Plants that are placed too close together will be competing with one another for available resources. They will not grow as big and full or produce as much fruit when in these situations.
Compost 101
Compost is a great addition to any garden. It adds in rich nutrients to grow a healthy, bountiful harvest. There are four essential ingredients for any compost: greens, browns, water and air.
Greens and Browns
These are the types of organic materials being added to your compost. There should be equal parts green and brown. The green organic material is an excellent source of nitrogen. Browns, on the other hand, are rich in carbon which is essential for decomposition.
Greens
Fruit and veggie scraps
Plant parts
Egg shells
Coffee grounds
Fresh leaves and grass
Browns
Egg cartons
Twigs and sticks
Straw
Dried leaves and grass
Saw dust
Water
Adding moisture to the compost pile is essential for the breakdown of the organic material. Everything should be kept damp but never soaking. Continuously monitor and check the moisture levels for constant decomposition.
Air
Compost must be aerated in order to break down the greens and browns. To aerate, use a stick or spade to turn the pile and mix everything together. In the beginning, this may need to be done every 7-10 days. As the pile ages, it will need to be aerated less (about every 6 months when cold and 2 months when hot). If your compost starts to smell, this may indicate that it needs to be aerated.
Things to Never Compost
Meat and fish
Anything that is chemically treated
Oil and butter
Pet waste
Bones
Urban Garden Options
Maybe you’re thinking, ‘I live in the city, so I can’t have a garden…’ think again! There are many people who have gotten creative and are growing their own fresh produce, herbs, and flowers in the middle of large cities. Check out these creative gardening ideas for inspiration!
Community Gardens
Many cities and neighborhoods are starting community gardens. These are gardens that offer local fresh produce grown within their own neighborhood. To get a portion of the harvest, many of these groups just require you to volunteer for planting and upkeep. Check your local postings to find out more information. If there isn’t an established community garden, consider being the person who starts one in your neighborhood :)
Urban Gardens
In many cities, there are people practicing urban gardening. They are getting creative with limited space. Plants are grown in rooftop gardens and balcony planters. Urban gardeners are figuring out how to grow plants vertically by refurbishing industrial pallets, vintage ladders, and hanging planters. If you have limited amounts of sunlight, there are even special lights you can purchase to solve the problem.
Indoor Pots
There are lots of plants that will do well just sitting on your kitchen counter! Many herbs and sprouts can be grown in small pots located near a window. They can be grown all year round making them easy to harvest and add into any recipe.
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