Starting a garden can be a fun and rewarding experience. But, it can also be daunting if you don’t know where to start. From the type of soil you use to the kinds of plants you decide to grow. There are plenty of variables that can affect your garden’s health. Even after doing the research, there are plenty of steps that you might overlook when you first start preparing your plot of land. So this article will give you some things to remember. Read on for some commonly forgotten steps when starting a garden.
Contents
Checking The Soil
One of the most important factors in starting a garden is the soil. Before you buy plants or seeds, you should do this to ensure that your soil can support your plants. If your soil isn’t good enough for what you’re trying to grow, there are plenty of additives such as manure or other organic materials that can improve it.
You can also bring in new soil. Take a sample of your current soil to your local garden store so they can test the PH balance and nutrient level before you begin planting. Your local garden center should have professionals who can help you figure out what kind of soil you have, along with the best ways to improve it if necessary.
Understanding What Kind Of Climate You Are Working With
Some plants are better suited for certain climates. If you live in a wetter climate, you’ll want to choose plants that can support heavy rain without falling apart. If you live in an area with harsher winters, some vegetables will not survive the winter months, while others may need more protection from extreme weather conditions.
Choosing The Right Plants
When starting a garden, it’s important to choose plants suited for the climate you live in. Even if you live in an area with a mild climate, you should still research what plants you can grow to make sure that they can survive.
If you live in an area prone to harsh weather conditions such as hurricanes or tornadoes, it’s best if you avoid growing any large trees or plants that strong winds may destroy. Also, make sure that the plants you choose are suited for the amount of sunlight or shade your garden gets each day.
Starting To Prepare Your Garden Too Late
If you don’t have time to prepare your garden before spring officially starts, it’s probably best to wait until the following year. Most plants need at least six weeks of preparation before they are ready to be planted outside. This includes finding a place for them, getting your soil prepared, checking the nutrient levels, as well as fertilizing if necessary. If you don’t have at least two months before planting season begins, you’ll want to wait until next year.
Over Watering Your Plants
While some plants need more water than others, it’s important not to overwater them. Ask a professional at your local garden center if you’re unsure how much you should water your plants. The best way to tell if your plant needs water is by poking the soil with your finger first thing in the morning or around 7 PM, depending on when the sun typically goes down.
If you’re able to stick your finger in up to an inch and it feels dry, then that means it’s time to water your plants. If the soil is wet, don’t water them until later so their roots can absorb what they already have and not become too saturated and possibly rot.
Having The Right Tools
If you’re starting out, you may not have the right tools for the job when it comes to gardening. You should make sure that you have good gloves, shoes, garden shears, a hand shovel, and a spade at the bare minimum. You can find most of these items at your local garden center or a general store. It’s best to start small when first starting because having too much work can often become overwhelming for a novice gardener.
Planting In The Right Season
Some plants need to be planted in the spring or summer, while others grow better during fall or winter. Some vegetables can even grow well indoors! Make sure you do your research before beginning a garden, so you don’t have to restart from scratch next year. It’s also important to know when your plant needs to be harvested. If you’re not sure, ask a professional at your local garden center for advice before harvesting anything.
Adding The Right Nutrients Your Plants Need
The best way to ensure that your plants get all the nutrients they need is by adding fertilizer. However, if you’re starting out, you will want to keep things simple and go with a general fertilizer product at first. After you’ve done this for a few years and become more experienced with gardening, you can start experimenting with specialized fertilizers. You can also make homemade fertilizer by collecting crushed eggshells, compost, and leaf mold.
Conclusion
Starting a garden is no easy feat. It’s a fantastic feeling when you begin to harvest your vegetables and flowers to use in cooking or for decor! Don’t let all the necessary steps discourage you. Many online resources give step-by-step guides on how to grow any plant or vegetable imaginable. It’s always wise to do your research before starting a garden, no matter the size. So get out there and start planting!
