For as long as I can remember I have always had a garden in my home. Even as a child growing up in the city, my Mom would always find the space to grow food. My first memory of a home garden was my Mom growing herbs on the balcony of our high-rise apartment where she fertilized it with eggshells and coffee grinds.
Gardens are so special because anyone can have one no matter how much money they have or where they live. On top of that there are so many benefits to having a garden:
- Fresh Food straight from your “backyard”: Having a home garden means having easy access to fresh fruits and veggies making your meals healthier. Many gardeners say, and I wholeheartedly agree that food from your own garden is by far tastier than getting from the supermarket.
- Save Money: Growing your own food can help save on grocery bills, as you reduce the need to buy certain items from the store. It’s a great feeling to look in my fridge and see containers of vegetables normally purchased at the market being replaced with containers full of vegetables I grew myself.
- Relaxation and Stress Relief: Spending time in the garden is a great way to relax, unwind, and relieve stress. The act of gardening is therapeutic and provides a mental break. I can attest that this is no gimmick! There is something about putting my hands in the dirt and tending to my garden that makes my stress and anxiety subside.
- Environmentally Friendly: Home gardens help the environment by cutting down on the carbon footprint associated with transporting and packaging store-bought produce. Plus, practicing organic methods is kinder to the planet. I don’t know about you but this makes gardening even sweeter.
- Learn and Connect: Gardening is a hands-on learning experience for both kids and adults, fostering a connection to nature and your community. It also helps enhance skills like patience, and sustainability. I love connecting with other gardening friends sharing our journeys and trading seeds, plants, and tips and tricks.
- Exercise: Taking care of your garden is a great way to move your body, keeping you active and healthy while enjoying the outdoors. I am happy to get as many steps in as I can.
Plan Your Home Garden in 10 Easy Steps:
If you are ready to dive into the rewarding world of home gardening here is a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
1. Determine Your Goals: Decide what you would like to grow in your garden. I would advise that you consider growing vegetables and fruits you know you and your family are likely to eat. Consider incorporating flowers to attract pollinators which will improve production in your garden.
2. Pick the best space available: Choose a space that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight. This is especially important for growing fruit trees and shrubs as well as tomatoes and peppers. If you have shadier spots you can successfully plant vegetables and herbs that tolerate those conditions, such as lettuce, kale, chard, spinach, chives, cilantro, parsley, and thyme. It is also important that you plant close to a water source to make watering plants more convenient.
4. Prepare the Soil: Be sure to start out with nutrient-rich soil for your seeds and plants. If you are planting directly into the ground consider adding organic materials such as compost to improve it. You also might want to get a soil test done to see what nutrients as well contaminants may be present in your soil. This can be done by sending samples to your local extension office or you could also buy tests at your local nursery or big box store (Lowes or HomeDepot).
5. Get Essential Tools: Getting your garden started does not require much in the way of tools. Don’t let the idea of not having a huge collection stop you. The following tools would be enough to get started.
- Trowel
- Garden gloves
- Watering can or hose
6. Plant with Care: Follow recommended planting depths and spacing for each type of vegetable, ensuring proper growth conditions. Both seed packets and plants you get at you buy will likely have this information printed on packets or tags. If they don’t ask someone at a local nursery or check the website of your local extension office.
7. Implement a Watering Schedule: Develop a consistent watering routine, adjusting based on the needs of your plants and weather conditions.
8. Monitor and Tend to Your Garden: Regularly check for pests, diseases, and weeds to help maintain a healthy garden.
With these steps, you’re well on your way to creating a thriving vegetable garden. Embrace the journey, which is likely to come with some twists and turns. Remember it’s ok to make mistakes (believe me you will) and that we are dealing with nature which can be unpredictable at times. But just think, you’ll soon be enjoying the fruits (and vegetables) of your labor.
Happy gardening!