How To Properly...
Start a Garden
Starting a garden involves a little work and a lot of fun. There are three steps to getting a garden started. You do your research and make your plans. Then you get your supplies and set up the plot. Finally, you dig and you work according to your plan.
There are some decisions you need to make before you start your planning. Do you want flowers, vegetables, herbs or all three? How much land are you planning on using for your garden? How much time will you be able to devote to maintaining your garden? How much money do you have to commit?
Gardens come in big and small sizes. You may just have a small plot or a place to put several pots together. Or you may have a quarter acre or more. You can make a nice garden with what you have if you plan properly.
Research what you want to plant. Some plants, like roses, take special care. You need to do more than just plant them. You must know that you can care for them, too.
You also need to know the space requirements of the plants you choose. Some things are easier to start from seed than others. You might be able to obtain cuttings or young plants instead of starting from seed. If you’re planting vegetables, how many do you need to enjoy your produce? Two tomato plants can produce a lot of tomatoes. But one lettuce seed generally produces one head of lettuce.
Then plan your garden so that you have beds, paths, and any fixtures that you want. Be sure the tall plants won’t block the sun from the short ones. Hoses and sprinklers, lights and benches need to be set up properly so you can enjoy your garden. Even if you just have a group of planting pots put together you may want to set up a seat with a small table on one side. Once your garden is planted you’ll want to sit out and enjoy it sometimes. Water features may also add interest.
After planning your garden you need to go shopping for supplies. You may need seeds, plants, fixtures, and wood for any raised beds. To spare your budget you may be able to find some items such as unpainted wood from pallets. You may be able to obtain cuttings from friends and family. Gather your pots and tools and organize them.
Finally, you start digging. Make your beds. Raise them if you like. A lot of people recommend that and it seems to work well. Mulch them well. Set up your paths. Sprinkle gravel or lay stones along them to mark them from the beds. Lay out your watering system. Set up your benches, statuary and your water features. If you have the room or can make the room use one corner for a compost pile.
Now you plant your garden as you planned it. It properly started and ready to grow!
