Growing your own vegetables offers so many benefits in health and life. It’s a great way to make sure you’re eating fresh organic produce and also makes great exercise. For some people, it can even be therapeutic. If you’re new to gardening, there are a number of tips that can help you get started.
A No-Fuss, Down and Dirty, Gardening 101 for Anyone Who Wants to Grow Stuff
Gardening 101: Friendship GardensPlants You Can’t Kill: 101 Easy-to-Grow Species for Beginning Gardeners
It’s important to keep in mind that location is key. It’s best to choose an area that gets a lot of sunlight.
If your yard doesn’t see a lot of sun, that’s okay! Some plants, such as spinach and lettuces, thrive in shaded areas. You’ll also want to make sure you’re giving your plants enough space to grow.
Although you might want to grow your garden on a plot of land, it’s important to keep in mind there are other options. You might consider using a garden container or a raised bed instead. A garden container can be a good option for newbies. A raised bed can also be a great option, but it will require an additional cost for materials.
What if you don’t have a lot of room for a garden? That’s okay! If you live in an apartment that doesn’t have a large yard or any yard where you can grow a garden, you might consider growing an indoor herb garden instead.
If you have a porch or balcony, you can grow potted plants there. It’s important to determine how much sunlight your porch or balcony gets, however.
Next, it’s important to decide what you’re going to plant. There are several things to consider. For starters, what do you like to eat? If you don’t like tomatoes or zucchini, you probably won’t want to grow them. You’ll also want to make sure that you’re growing plants that will thrive in your gardening conditions.
The most important gardening 101 tip is to research any plant you are planning to add to your garden. Find out what the plant needs to grow and how it needs to be maintained.
You’ll need to determine how often you should water your garden. It will depend on the plants you grow and the type of soil you have. Sandy soil will require more water than clay soil. How often you’ll need to water your garden will also depend on the climate you live in. In hot, dry climates, your plants will need more water to thrive than if you live in a rainier climate. For most plants and climates, 2 inches of water once a week is ideal.
One of the biggest challenges all gardeners face is garden pests, which come in the form of bugs and critters. The good news is that there are a number of organic remedies that can help keep some of these pests at bay. You might also consider fencing in your garden or getting scarecrows to deter pests.
These are just some gardening 101 tips to help you get started! As a gardener, however, you will find that you’ll always be learning new tips and tricks to help you get that green thumb you’ve always wanted.
Right in the middle of National Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Month, on June 16, we celebrate a day specifically dedicated to leafy greens and all their munchable cousins: National Fresh Veggies Day. June is the perfect time to celebrate fresh vegetables, as our gardens begin to transition from spring to summer produce, and farmers’ markets …
A symbol of love and a classic garden flower, the red rose is celebrated on June 12 each year. This is a fitting date for observing Red Rose Day, for not only are many roses in full bloom right now, but the rose is also the birth flower of June. People also value this flower …
Gardening is so much more than a hobby. It can provide us with food, beautify our outdoor and indoor spaces, improve our mental health, and even serve as a form of exercise. On June 6, we specifically celebrate this last benefit by observing National Gardening Exercise Day – and why shouldn’t we? Gardening is way …
Although the history of the day is unknown, apparently someone decided that we all need a reminder to water our flowers, because May 30 is National Water a Flower Day! Celebrate National Water a Flower Day We all know that watering is good for the plants, but did you know that it provides benefits to …
People in the U.S. throw away 167 million tons of garbage each year, according to the Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR). That’s a lot of trash! The good news is that we can cut the amount of garbage being set out at the curb by half, just by composting. And not only does composting keep …
They pollinate wildflowers and crops, contributing to biodiversity as well as human food supplies, and produce the sweet honey we love to stir into tea or drizzle on warm buttermilk biscuits. Although we fear their sting, there is far more to love about bees. The Republic of Slovenia recognized the importance of bees and the …
Strawberries are among the first fruits to ripen in spring, with sweet juiciness that proves irresistible as the weather warms and fresh produce becomes increasingly available. Although its history is unknown, Pick Strawberries Day occurs on May 20, right in the middle of the strawberry season for many parts of the country, making it a …
Although citrus trees seem reserved for the southern part of the U.S., where temperatures remain mild throughout the winter, even those of us who see snow in the colder months can grow a lemon tree. All it takes are a large pot and proper care. And with Plant a Lemon Tree Day coming up on …
Many holidays and other occasions are celebrated by the giving of flowers, such as Valentine’s Day, Easter, May Day, Mother’s Day, birthdays, graduations, and more. But did you know that there is a day dedicated just to giving flowers? This May 15, spread a little joy by observing Bring Flowers to Someone Day. When people …
After the daffodils and tulips fade, irises send up their stalks topped with showy, ruffled plumage. These low-maintenance bulbs come in nearly every color except bright red, allowing gardeners to enjoy a lush rainbow of color from late spring through early summer where multiple varieties are planted. Although we don’t know when a day was …
