Whether you’re a novice gardener or a seasoned pro, there’s a lot to do to prepare for the gardening season. Buying seeds and supplies can take some time. Understanding what works best for your location can take a lot of research. Gardening can also be a big responsibility, especially if done in an environmentally friendly way. While there are many aspects to consider when starting your gardening journey each season, it offers so many benefits.
If you’re still hesitant about gardening, think about all the benefits it provides. new hobby that takes you outside more can make you happier. Successfully completing a new task and providing yourself with food can boost self-esteem. If you harvest, it might even help you eat healthier. And your products are most likely pesticide-free, which is a win-win.
While the weather is still cold, start preparing for the growing season early. Decide what type of garden you will grow. Understand the benefits of gardening and what motivates you to get started. Think about what you will do to set yourself up for future success. Depending on which region you are in, it might be time to start boarding! Here are five tips to help you get started early.
1. Do your research
With the winter weather forecast, it’s time to start exploring in the garden. Find out which products are growing successfully in your area. Understand what kind of climate your seeds need to thrive. Consider what you will need to maintain the garden of your dreams. Ask yourself what is your goal with regards to the garden?
Maybe you are hoping not to buy a single product in the store this season. Or maybe you just want to grow tomatoes and lettuce. In any case, you will need to understand what seeds and materials you need. You will also want to consider the type of gardening you will be doing. Square feet, containers, and raised bed gardening are different methods you can use depending on your area.
Research before starting the process can also help you better prepare your harvest schedule. Gardening takes a lot of time and patience. Having created Calendar, you can keep track of your gardening duties. Be sure to select a start date to prepare your growing space. Set reminders for planting new seeds and growing in water. Add time blocks to pull weeds and check the weather. Your research will help your planning process be fruitful.
2. Purchase supplies
With enough time to prepare for the gardening season, it’s tempting to put off purchasing the necessary supplies. By ordering these items in advance, you can save time on shipping. When it’s time to plant, you’ll be ready to go. Because gardening supplies can stock up quickly, it’s financially better to buy them over a few months. Preparing for big purchases can bring relief to your wallet.
In fact, you’ll want to consider all the items you need to purchase depending on the type of gardening you choose. While aquaponics is a cool gardening method, it requires expensive materials. If you choose biodynamic gardening, it’s much cheaper. However, you may need to purchase or create a compost bin. With almost 20 different types of gardens, the types of materials you need will vary greatly.
3. Start from within
If you are in an area where the climate stays cold at the end of the year, you might consider starting your garden indoors. This can look very different depending on many factors. Resources such as space, financial allocation, and time can determine whether an indoor garden is the smart move for you. When designing an indoor garden, there are various decisions to be made. First, choose between hydroponic or soil gardening.
In hydroponic gardening, plants grow directly in water. You may be wondering how this works. Hydroponic growing is more complex than growing in soil, it provides the roots with oxygen through the water. Since there is no soil, liquid fertilizer should be added to the water to replace the missing nutrients in the soil. You can even buy hydroponic systems online that include grow containers and artificial lighting.
If this method seems too complicated, or if you’re not ready to invest in artificial lighting, try starting with herbs. As long as you have bright light for six to eight hours a day, herbs can be an easy item to grow. Try starting with low-maintenance herbs like basil, parsley, and green onions. Be sure to choose containers with drainage. This will keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
4. Be green
While gardening is an easy way to clean up the air and soil, it can sometimes be detrimental to the environment. There are several factors in which the process can be harmful. For example, if you use too many chemicals in your garden, you can disrupt your yard’s ecosystem. The use of pesticides can be a direct cause of the destruction of beneficial insects and fungi.. Instead of using strong synthetic or natural chemicals, try non-chemical methods like neem oil.
Another option for fertilizing the soil is composting. Coffee grounds and plant waste can be turned into organic matter. When your compost is dark and crumbly, it can be spread over the soil. Soil organisms thrive in this environment. Compost can help balance soil density and make plant roots healthier.
Rainwater is another natural addition to your plant growing efforts that promote smart gardening. Instead of always using water from a hose, save water by using rainwater. It is soft water, free of various chemicals, minerals and salts found in city water. Rainwater can rid your soil of residues that have accumulated on your plants from other water sources. In addition, rain contains nitrates that plants need to survive.
5. Prepare your space
Perhaps the most practical task you can do in preparation for gardening is to work on your space. Once you have chosen the type of garden you will be using, you will need to create it. Use the occasional warm day in winter to get started in your backyard. Not to mention, going outside in the winter can do wonders for your health. mental health. If you are using a vegetable garden, start by clearing out the trash in the yard. Gather sticks, pull out weeds, and level the soil with a rake.
Then start building your garden boxes. Measure the space you will use for growing. Purchase rot-resistant cedar from your local hardware store. Then start making beds. There are great tutorials online that show you step by step how to make durable garden boxes.
When the weather gets warmer, you’ll be ready to prepare the ground. Loosen the soil 12 inches so the plants can root deeply. Use compost to add nutrients to the soil before you start planting seeds. If you are advanced, you need to check the pH of your soil. This will determine what nutrients your soil really needs.
While gardening can be challenging and intimidating, early preparation can make it easier. Try furnishing your space in the winter. Learn the fruits and vegetables that are most successful in your climate and location. Understand how gardening can impact the environment both positively and negatively. Buy seeds and create a gardening calendar to stay on track. And no matter what, don’t forget to have fun!
Featured Image Credit: Photo by Andrea Picquadio; Pexels; Thank you!
Fast 5 gardening hacks to start early appeared first on Calendar.