Summer’s bountiful crops have served as the inspiration for many of my recent blogs. But, today it dawned on me that some of you might not have a garden. Or, perhaps, you really have no desire to grow one. I would hope that this is not the case. But, if it is, consider this blog an attempt to persuade you to think otherwise. Believe me, a few years ago I would have been considered the ultimate reluctant gardener, but once you see (and eat) the fruits (and vegetables) of your labor, I guarantee you will be hooked.
If you have never planted a seed before, cultivating an entire garden may seem intimidating. Here are a few suggestions to help get you start:
1. Purchase the right type of gardening gear. You only need a few items to start such as a hose, a hoe, a hand rake, a shovel, fertilizer, seeds, and gardening gloves. There are tons of gardening supplies available, you can add to your supplies as time goes on, but these will get you started.
2. Start small. If you really don’t know if you will have the time or motivation needed to tend to a garden, start by planting seeds in containers or simply add a few rows to an existing flower garden.
3. Make sure to plant your new garden in a sunny area. Ideally, you want to find a spot that will receive eight hours of sunlight a day. Vegetables such as cucumbers and lettuce will need a bit of shade; plant them next to a trellis.
4. It’s a good idea to check your topsoil. To do this, pick up a soil pH balance testing kit at your local garden supply store. The kit will tell you if your garden will need compost or new topsoil added.
5. Save money—start out by planting vegetables from seeds instead of buying expensive seedlings.
6. Plan Ahead. Plant vegetables that will come up in succession so that you will always have something to harvest. This will help keep you motivated from season to season. For an early spring harvest plant peas, spinach and radishes. Summer is a great time for tomatoes, peppers and summer squash. To enjoy an early fall harvest plant broccoli.
7. Research what will prosper in your specific climate (you can just ask someone at the garden supply store). This information should be considered when you plan your garden and when you buy the plants.
8. Be realistic. Keep in mind that once everything is planted you really need to spend an hour or two a week maintaining your garden. This includes watering, weeding, and fertilizing.
9. Find out how to store your vegetables to make sure you can enjoy them long after harvest.
10. Start a garden journal. Jot down what worked and what didn’t and use the information to improve your garden.
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