Spring is a popular time to get outside after a long, cold winter. It’s harder to stay inside on a beautiful, sunny day. One of the ways that you can get outside in the nice weather is to plant a garden, and gardening has many benefits. By growing your own food, you can control what you eat, save money, and protect the environment.
However, many people I know complain that gardening requires too much effort. Between work and family, a lot of people just don’t have the time to put in the work that gardening takes. Or they’ve tried gardening in the past and failed miserably. Perhaps they jumped in without adequate preparation.
The good news about gardening, though, is that it doesn’t take that much effort. Once the seeds are planted, the gardener can step back a little and let Mother Nature do her thing. Plus, gardening isn’t hard to learn. Millions of people have discovered the satisfaction of this hobby.
In order to have a successful garden this year, consider the following tips.
- Plan ahead – This is the most crucial stage of your gardening efforts. Many people start gardening without planning ahead and then wonder what went wrong. The planning stage is the part where you determine what will be planted, when, and where. Of course, this should be done well in advance of the growing season. Location is important. Successful gardens need at least seven hours of sunlight a day and should be located close to a water source.
- Choose the soil – The foundation of a good garden is the soil. Most vegetable plants need rich soil. However, your yard might not be ideal for what you want to grow. It’s a good idea to discover what is good for growing in your local area and what isn’t. If your soil isn’t the best, though, you can use framed beds for planting in your own soil mix or a store-bought variety.
- Use your own fertilizer – Even though there are a variety of fertilizers available for purchase, making your own is a win-win. You keep kitchen, yard, and garden debris out of landfills, and compost enriches the soil for your plants. In general, organic waste from around the house makes the best compost ingredients.
- Rotate your crops – It’s not recommended that gardeners grow the same crops in the same place year after year. The soil needs time to regain its fertility. Plus, crop rotation reduces problems with diseases and disease-causing organisms.
- Control for weeds and pests – Weeds and pests can pop up at any time and lay waste to your garden. Don’t let your garden be susceptible; tend to it regularly. By being proactive with some TLC, you can avoid disaster. Chances are you will discover the pleasure of gardening after a successful growing season.