Starting your garden can be very satisfying. Being a plant parent can fill you with immense happiness. However, if you are new to this journey you might struggle a bit. Be prepared to make mistakes and get your hands dirty. If you plan thoroughly then the chance of getting desirable results is higher. However, if you are an expert in gardening, you can also opt for hydroponics.
They are grown in an artificial environment. One of the benefits of hydroponics includes it saves plenty of plant energy. As a beginner, you need to plan the whole process of gardening and break it further into manageable steps to follow. Once you are done with the steps. You will get to see those beautiful flowers and fruits. That is grown with your efforts and hard work. This blog will guide you through the journey of becoming a plant parent.
Remember, Vegetable Gardening is a great way to start your own garden and grow fresh produce. With the right approach and a little bit of dedication, you can enjoy the rewards of your own homegrown vegetables and herbs.
1. Decide what to plant
In the very first step, you need to decide whether you want to plant a flower garden or herb garden. And if not them then vegetable garden. If you are opting for a vegetable garden, that can be your daily food item. Then go for the ones your family members eat or are interested to try. Other than that if you want a flower garden, choose the kind of flowers you want in your garden.
Whether you want the annual flowers that grow in summer times, they need to be replanted again during summer. Or you want to go for perennials that blossom for a shorter period of the year. But they would return year after year without fail. You can also opt for planting different flowers. That will make your garden more beautiful. However, they will require more maintenance. For a beginner, it is better to go with a small unit.
2. Choose the best spot for gardening
For gardening purposes, you need to choose a place in your garden where the plants can receive full sunlight. Also, you need to check for places where there is partial sunlight. As sometimes plant leaves tend to burn down due to excessive heat. Many types of flowering plants, as well as vegetables, require 6-8hours of sunlight in a day. Don’t stress yourself if your garden is shady in most parts. Where sunlight can’t penetrate thoroughly.
You can still grow plenty of vegetables and flowers there. You may not be able to grow tomatoes there. You can have a real conversation with a local gardener regarding the requirement of sunlight for each plant. It’s better to choose a flat surface area for gardening. As sloppy surfaces are potentially expensive. It is also time-consuming and difficult to maintain plants on that slope. Also, ensure a proper irrigation system or water access to your garden. You can also opt for eco-friendly gardening If you are concerned about saving water. You can opt for hydroponic gardening. To know more about hydroponic gardening. Read on how to get the most out of your hydroponic grow tent.
3. Keep the ground clean
Choose a location in your garden accordingly. Then get rid of all the weed and sod from that place, espeically if you’ve got flower seeds. If the spring season is going on. And you want veggies in the upcoming summer. Then to get quick results, cut all the required things out. Make use of the spade to cut the sod into sections. Then decompose it further by adding it to your compost pile.
4. Know your soil
Knowing your soil is necessary before planting. Hence, to know your soil type, run a soil test. You can send your soil samples through your county cooperative extension office. Collect soil from different parts of your garden. Then send them as samples. You can expect the results within two weeks. The result will consist of information about the soil quality. That will also show what the soil lacks. And how you can amend it further. Alternatively, you can make those samples go through a DIY test.
That might not yield accurate results. But they can provide you with information about the soil’s nutrient level. Residential soil needs a boost most of the time. Especially if some new construction took place over that soil. This is because with new construction the top layer of the soil gets removed. Hence there are high chances that your soil is low in essential plant nutrients. And they might lack the proper drainage quality. Taking necessary actions would improve the soil further.
5. Prepare planting beds
If you loosen your soil before planting the plants. Then it will promote the growth of the plants. This is because it will allow easy access to nutrients and water in the soil. Loosening of soil can be done by two methods. The first method is tiling with the use of a mechanical device. For example rototiller. This method is more advantageous when you need to mix a large number of amendments. With this method, you may end up overdoing it. That might damage the soil quality.
The second method is termed digging. This is a more practical method. However, this method is preferred for preparing small beds. Start working on the soil when the soil is moist. Working on too much dry soil can make your work more difficult. Whereas working on wet soil can damage the quality of the soil.
6. Water properly
You need to water the seedlings on daily basis. This will prevent the seedlings from drying out. In cases of transplant also, you need to water regularly, until the root is established. Later, once they are established, the frequency of watering the plants would depend upon humidity, soil type and rainfall. Clay soil doesn’t require more water as compared to sandy soil. This is because clay soil dries out slowly. Hence, it is fine not to water it very often. Soil tends to dry out more in sunny, windy weather. It is easier for them to content their moisture in cloudy, cool weather.
Closing Statement
Once your plants start growing in the garden. Remember to maintain your garden regularly. Remove weeds on time before they affect the seeds. Also, get rid of dying, diseased vegetation. Take proper precautions to prevent destructive insects from ruining your plants. Other than these, attempt to harvest vegetables when they are ready. You can also make use of grow tents for providing required nutrients and light to your plants. For more information about growing tents. Read on 4 benefits of growing tents.
Author Bio:
Hi, I am Olivia Robinson, a writer, and blogger by profession. As I’m a wanderer, I share my experiences through my write-ups in a way that it’s understandable and appealing to people. I aim to achieve a difference through my writing, which allows my readers to make informed and valuable choices.