There is an astonishingly long list of plants poisonous to cats! So, are aloe plants poisonous to cats? If you are a keen gardener and cat lover, it’s best to know which ones to avoid – particularly if your feline likes to chew on things. Aloes make a beautiful, feature-rich addition to gardens in hot, …
Gardening 101
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. These tips can help you get started if you’re new to gardening.
Gardening 101: Getting Your Garden Started
Garden location
It’s essential to keep in mind that location is vital. 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 lettuce, thrive in shaded areas. You’ll also want to ensure you give your plants enough space to grow.
Although you might want to grow your garden on a plot of land, it’s essential 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.
Garden size
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. However, it’s essential to determine how much sunlight your porch or balcony gets.
What will you plant?
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 ensure you’re growing plants that thrive in your gardening conditions.
The most critical gardening 101 tip is to research any plant you plan to add to your garden. Find out what the plant needs to grow and how to maintain it.
Watering the garden
You’ll need to determine how often you should water your garden. It will depend on the plants you grow and your soil type. Sandy soil will require more water than clay soil. How often you’ll need to water your garden will also depend on your climate. 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.
Garden pests
One of the gardeners’ most significant challenges is garden pests, which come as bugs and critters. The good news is that several organic remedies 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.
Orioles are one of the most sought-after birds to attract to your garden. Their bright colors and melodious songs enhance any outdoor activities. They occur naturally in many regions, and most of them migrate yearly. But, what do orioles eat? If you wonder what orioles eat, read to find out what to offer on your …
For a unique twist on regular watermelons, try growing square watermelons! These unusual fruits are eye-catching and perfect for your summer parties or farm stand. Fortunately, you can learn how to grow a square watermelon in your backyard with some knowledge and the right tools. What Are Square Watermelons? Cube-shaped watermelons started in the 1960s …
Spring is almost here! And with it comes the need to have a plan for your garden. Otherwise, spring may catch you unprepared. Here’s a quick and easy step-by-step guide for how to prepare your garden for spring. Regardless if your dream garden is a flower oasis or a full vegetable garden, here’s what you …
Red ants might not be the garden pests we believe them to be. If you see them swarming around an unhealthy plant, you will likely be eager to learn how to get rid of red ants in the garden. However, chances are something else caused that plant to lose its vigor. This article explains how to …
We are building a new home for our family, and I’m dreaming of a garden at our new place. With so much to do when you build, I’m afraid we won’t have time for a garden this year, and I can’t imagine life without a garden. So, I’ve been reading up on no-work gardening and …
If you’ve installed a bird feeder hoping to enjoy watching beautiful birds, you might be in for a rude awakening. Squirrels could steal all the bird seeds long before your feathered friends get there. So, let’s look at how to squirrel proof your bird feeder to help you prepare beforehand. Bird feeding can be …
Gardening in winter presents unique challenges, but it can also offer rewarding opportunities with the right strategies. Many assume the garden sleeps during the colder months, but that’s far from the truth. Here are some winter gardening ideas to create a stunning landscape that thrives despite the chill. While the palette of plants may change, …
With snow on the ground and temperatures too cold to spend much time outdoors, winter is a slower time for most gardeners. But that doesn’t mean they hibernate until spring: plenty of indoor activities keep green thumbs busy when they can’t be in their gardens. There are many winter activities for gardeners, and not all …
The prospect of nurturing a small seed into a flourishing plant, yielding food for your kitchen table, is undeniably gratifying. The journey from seed to harvest is a source of satisfaction and a delightful effort that promises a sense of accomplishment. Here are some common gardening mistakes to avoid when you start gardening. Many mistakes …