If you’re looking for a new hobby to keep you busy this spring, look no further. Whether or not you have access to a suitable patch of land, starting your own garden could be the best decision you’ve ever made. Gardening is undoubtedly good for mind, body and soul, reducing anxiety, increasing physical fitness and providing a palpable sense of well-being.
Suppose you don’t have a sizable garden on your property. In that case, why not sign up for an allotment or create a bijoux vertical kitchen garden indoors? After all, a large garden can be overwhelming for beginners in terms of maintenance. Start small and expand your garden as you learn.
Assess The Space You’re Working With
You can create a productive garden in just about any space. Whether you have a large open patch of land, or a mere kitchen windowsill, providing you’re open to creative solutions, you can make any space work. That said, before you take the plunge, assess your patch for sun exposure – most plants will thrive in at least six hours of direct sunlight, making a south-facing garden ideal for the best results. Similarly, avoid planting seeds and saplings in heavily shaded areas.
Grow Things You Like
There is little use in toiling relentlessly over a garden only to produce plants that you don’t enjoy. Consider your lifestyle – suppose you’re keen on including more organic fruits and vegetables in your diet. In that case, why not have a go at planting a vegetable patch? If you would prefer to create a biodiverse, bee-friendly outdoor environment, opt for plants that will attract fuzzy little visitors to your plot, such as lavender, marjoram and abelia.
Consider The Quality Of Your Soil
The quality of your soil will determine the quality and health of your plants. Most plants thrive in soil with a pH balance between 6.5 and 7.5, so it is vital to assess the pH of your soil before planting anything. Fortunately, you can purchase soil testing kits to measure pH and determine your soil’s overall fertility and health. If your soil is too acidic, you can increase its pH by adding baking soda, crushed eggshells, or a lime-based compound such as dolomite lime. In contrast, adding organic materials like peat moss, rotted manure, and leaf compost will help gradually reduce the pH of high-alkaline soil.
Water Wisely
Different plants have different watering requirements. Although it may take a while to find the right balance, you can ensure your plants don’t become overwatered or underwatered by thoroughly researching each variety. During the warmer months, water your garden early in the morning or late at night so moisture is absorbed before it evaporates in the heat.
Indoor plants should be kept in containers with drainage holes to avoid water logging, which can starve your plants of oxygen, leading to root rot. You could even look into hydroponics watering systems to generate better growth rates and reduce the risk of soil-borne diseases.
Space Your Plants Strategically
Overcrowding a garden can be detrimental to the health of your plants. Overcrowded plants typically become undernourished as they have to compete with one another for water, nutrients and space. You can avoid this issue by checking your seed packets for space requirements. For example, depending on variety, pumpkins generally require anywhere between 5 and 20 square feet per plant, whereas potatoes and leafy salad greens can be squeezed into much tighter spaces.
Label Your Seedlings
A wise piece of advice for all gardeners – experienced or amateur – is to label your seedlings. When growing a wide variety of plants, it can be all too easy to forget what you’ve planted and where. Avoid mishaps and keep track of your plants’ growth rate using cost-effective, DIY plant labels made from lollipop sticks. You could even use wooden spoons or write information straight onto the plant pot.
Some Plants Require Containers
Suppose you have a sizable plot perfect for growing plants. While you might want to get stuck in immediately, it is worth noting that certain plants are more suited to pots, planters and containers. For example, when planted straight into the earth, mint will spread quickly and vigorously, hindering the growth of other plants. You can restrict the root run of your mint plants by planting them in deep pots with drainage holes.
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