So, you want to start a garden?
Or maybe you’ve tried starting a garden already and just ended up with weeds galore? (Don’t worry, I’ve totally been there- and still fight weeds to this day!) Well, keep reading, and you will find some essential tips for starting a garden.
First, location, location, location!
You must first choose where to have your garden. You will want somewhere with lots of sunlight, good drainage, and easy access. If you have a large yard, this may be an easy task, but for some, this may be the hardest!
- Make sure the location you choose gets as much sun as possible unless you live in a desert climate, where some shade would be appreciated by most plants.
- Make sure the area you want to plant does not get swampy. If that is your only option, you may want to look into drainage options.
- Make sure your location is close enough to your house that you will actually be willing to go out to it. Also, make sure any equipment that you will need (like a tiller) can easily make it to your garden.
- Soil quality! While most of us don’t get an option as to what our soil quality is to start with, it’s a good idea to know what you’re getting into. If the quality is very poor and/or rocky, raised bed gardening may be best for you.
Second, pest control!
You will want to think about this before you plant a single thing. There is nothing quite as disheartening as seeing fresh little shoots one day, and then the next day a bunch of chewed-off stems. While a standard garden fence can be affordable and keep out some small mammals, I have a few other hacks.
- Bonide Repels-All spray and granules. No really, this stuff is great! I know many don’t want to use chemicals, myself included! That’s why I use this product. It’s not organic, but it is made with natural ingredients like putrified eggs and garlic oil, so I feel comfortable spraying it around the perimeter of my garden (just not on a windy day!).
- A deer fence. These taller, small-mesh fences will keep out more critters and are still quite affordable.
- Aluminum pie tins. While not perfect, I have found tieing a few of these on the fence create enough flashing and noise to spook away some things. Not deer, like some claim (or maybe I just have really bold deer…) but birds don’t seem to like them much.
Third, seeds and plants!
There are SO many to choose from, and it can feel very overwhelming sometimes. The main things you will want to think about is what type of plants you want and how much. It can be tempting to go all out and order tons of seeds and a bunch of plants that you’ve never tried before, but that can backfire very easily. You probably don’t want to end up with tomatoes rotting on the vine because you have 10 plants each of 4 different varieties and a garden overtaken by butternut squash because you didn’t realize how far 6 plants would spread (go ahead, ask me how I know this).
- Choose plants you know you and your family like. Don’t plant okra and fennel if you know your family doesn’t like it, growing it won’t make them like it.
- Make sure the plants will grow in your zone. For example, I am zone 5, so I know I can’t grow citrus. You can find what zone you live in here.
- If you want to save seeds, choose an heirloom variety. Many hybrids will give great harvests, but the seeds won’t give you the same plant again.
- I love to use gurneys.com for my seeds and plant starts. I always wait for their big coupons (like $100 off $200 big).
Fourth, garden layout!
This can be one of the hardest parts of a garden. I love to use this garden planner by Mother Earth News- it makes it so much easier! The layout can be really tricky to get right. Knowing which plants can go near each other and how much space to give them is a skill that takes a long time to acquire.
You’re ready!
It can feel like a lot, but the best way to learn is by doing it! I believe in you, and with these tips, you’re well on your way to having a flourishing garden.
So, what do YOU want to grow? Are you starting a garden this year?
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