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 We are all looking forward to eating fresh, crisp vegetables this summer. If you have the space, this may be the year you decide to start a garden of your own. Though it is becoming a lost art, tending a vegetable garden is a fun and rewarding way to spend your time and reconnect with nature. But where do you begin? Here are some helpful tips to start your first garden.
First, you need to evaluate the gardening space you have. Vegetable gardens require plenty of sunlight (at least six hours a day) and nutrient-rich soil. If you are unsure about the quality of your soil, try calling your local extension office. Most offer free soil testing and will advise you on how to enrich it or adjust the pH.
A word of caution: don't bite off more than you can chew. Start off with a 6'x12' or 8'x10' plot. A larger garden could prove overwhelming for a first-time gardener and ruin the experience. You can always expand your plot later if you're feeling up to the task.
A good strategy to try is making raised beds for your garden. Raised beds have numerous benefits, including improved drainage and weed reduction. The topsoil used to fill these beds will upgrade your soil quality as well. Do not use pressure-treated timber to construct these beds; some studies show that toxic chemicals can leach into the soil from them.
Now that your gardening space is ready, it's time to purchase your seeds. Seed selection requires a bit of research on your part. You shouldn't buy the cheapest seeds you can find, but neither must you spend a small fortune on them. Buy a brand name that has earned good reviews and can maximize your chance of successfully growing the vegetables.
Of course, you must also decide specifically what you want to grow. Choose vegetables that you enjoy eating and are easier to grow. Onions, peas, and beets are some examples of easy-to-grow crops. Salad fixings, like tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes, and carrots, are good choices for beginners as well. Crops to avoid include corn, squash, and pumpkin. These vegetables take up a large amount of space and can be difficult to grow.
Once you've chosen and planted your seeds, make sure to keep an eye out for vandals. Building a wire mesh fence around your garden is a good way to keep critters out. You can sprinkle black pepper to keep rabbits away. Or, plant marigolds around the garden to keep bugs and animals away. If you think you have an insect infestation, you should immediately identify what insect you have and purchase an insecticide designed to control that specific type.
Soon, it will be time to harvest your garden fare. To get the full health benefits of your vegetables, harvest when ripe and don't over cook them. Then all you have to do is enjoy the satisfaction of eating fresh, crisp vegetables you grew yourself!
Happy gardening. |
