Written by Charlene Hartung

Curated

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28 Feb, 2024

I started a veggie garden at home a few years ago. What a rewarding experience. You plant a seed, and in a few months, you have food! So amazing! I’ve had lots of potatoes, green, red and orange peppers. I take a walk in my garden every night, and I just talk to my plants and admire them and when they give me food, I thank them for it. Sounds a little coo-coo, I know. 

Here are some tips if you plan to start a garden. Now, I don’t profess to know everything. I still make phone calls to my friends who have more experience if there is something I want to know. 

  1. Start with easy-to-grow plants: Choose plants that are hardy and low-maintenance, such as herbs, tomatoes, or potatoes. Consider the area you have, the season you are in and which plants grow in which season to ensure the best results. 
  2. Understand your soil: Test your soil to understand its pH level and composition. Add organic matter like compost or mulch to improve the soil structure. I give feed to my soil and, essentially, my plants monthly. Your soil is exposed to many different weather conditions and loses its plant growth strength. 
  3. Provide adequate sunlight: Most plants need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight, so choose a spot in your garden with ample sunlight. Putting your plants under netting is even better to keep the birds out. 
  4. Water regularly: Establish a watering schedule based on the needs of your plants. Pay attention to signs of overwatering or underwatering.
  5. Mulch to conserve moisture: Use mulch to maintain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
  6. Learn about plant spacing: Follow the recommended spacing for each type of plant to ensure proper air circulation and adequate room for growth. I have made this mistake many times. Uprooting plants to move them is never a good idea cause you to disturb them and hurt their roots. 
  7. Stay vigilant against pests and diseases: Monitor your plants for signs of pests and diseases and take prompt action to address any issues. I have a little green locust type of pest that grows on my leaves. They eat wholes into your plats. you can go to the nursery to get something to clear them. Another thing I have in my garden is snails. These buggers are everywhere and can cause just as much damage. You get a blue-type crystal you can throw everywhere you have snails to kill them. 
  8. Practice patience: Gardening requires time and patience, so be prepared to learn and adapt as you go.

Remember that gardening is a journey; you will learn a lot through your experiences. Have fun and enjoy the process.

What is Mulch? It is a covering (as of straw or sawdust) spread over the ground to protect the roots of plants from heat, cold, or evaporation, prevent soil loss, control weeds, enrich the soil, or keep fruit (such as strawberries) clean.

 

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