How to Garden
I can’t tell you how much I LOVE fresh veggies out of my garden. Especially tomatoes. There is just no comparison to the taste of fresh grown vegetables as to the store bought ones.If you feel like you want to tackle to chore of having your own garden this year, here are some tips and ideas to help you get started. Keep in mind, I am no expert, but I am going to share with you what I have learned. If you know something I didn’t add, please leave a comment so we can all learn more. This is a four part series, so be sure to check out the other posts in How to Garden. (coming soon)
HOW TO GARDEN PART 1 – CHOOSING YOUR GARDEN SPOT
This part can be tricky if you have a small yard (or no yard at all) but still want to enjoy the benefits of having a garden! Here are some ideas to help you get started:
Pick a Spot that is going to get a lot of sunshine. Most Garden plants require a 6 hours of sunlight to grow properly. This will vary depending on where you live. If you are more north, you may need more than six hours because it is a little cooler, and if you live more south you may not want more than 6 hours because it is so hot.
If you can’t pick a spot that goes “out” pick one that can go “up”. Most vine type plants (pumpkins, squash, etc) can grow up on a trellis and will save your ground space. This is also a great way to keep creepy crawly bugs off of them!
Don’t pick a spot that is wet all the time “water-logged” and also avoid places that can be affected more by the elements (wind tunnel or frost pockets). Don’t plant under a tree since you would be in the shade most of the day and the soil is giving most of its nutrients to the tree so your garden would struggle.
Keep it easy to get to and visit regularly. This will make it easy for you to keep weeded, as well as make sure pests and animals are not getting into it.
While it doesn’t look like much now, this is just out my back door and we are getting ready to plant the rest of the veggies for the summer. It is in the corner of our yard so it is out of the way of my kids, and it is easy to get to and therefore easy to water and maintain. I really enjoy having a garden. It gives me a little bit of a sense of self preservation. Its also good for our kids to learn how to do it and give them something to help with. Gardens are a great way to spend time together as a family!
If you don’t have room for a garden in your back yard, see if you can fit it into your front yard. Use boxes if you need to and put it on your porch. There are so many options. Don’t restrict yourself.
How To Garden Series: Part 1 – Choosing your Garden Spot
Lorayne Gothard says
thanks for the information. We want to grow vegetables so I will read this before hand and put it in play!!
melissa holske says
thank you for the wonderful tips however i have nothing close to a green thumb lol however i am trying to grow strawberries blueberries and rasberries guess i will have to see if i can keep them alive lol
Karen lanois says
i wish i had a yard to do that:(
Missy Conner Spivey says
I love that you are sharing this with us! If I’m feeling better physically next summer, I would love to give it a try! 🙂
chelesa sims says
thank you for this information, I will be trying this.
Lisa Stovall says
I don’t have the patience or green thumb needed to do this.
candi says
I Luv this! I am today begining to plan out where i will plant my veggies! theres nothing like homegrown foods! Good luck with your garden!
Wynne Grob says
not really having a green thumb it is nice to see what you have accomplished and learning too! thanks for this post!
Rachel Rodman-Kunkler says
Thanks for the tips. My husband planted his garden too early this year because of the flex of the weather. A lot of it died. Sad.
Kathleen Jones says
Thanks for the info…
kimberly b says
Great idea’s! love it!
Kimberly Everett says
NICELY done! Love fresh veggies!!
Anne Milkie says
I will definitely watch the updates!
Jo-Ann Brightman says
Although I have an Aerogarden I might try to use the front porch with planters.
CHRISTIE ROBINSON says
This is great!!!!! I need ALL the help I can get with the gardening because I don’t know how to do anything in a garden. Thank U for posting this!!!!
Shirley Smith says
I learned a little bit about gardening , thank you. I so wish I had more of a green thumb.
becky dunn says
always add some lime to the soil never can get to much of that stuff.
Coralie says
Thanks! I will look into that 🙂