Tips of the Gardening Trade
Location is key and the best place to start your garden is in an area where you get regular and/or partial sun
Plan – take some time to think about what you want to plant in your garden and what space you have available. Most plants (especially larger ones) need added space to ensure successful growth. Evaluating the real estate you have available for your garden and what you want to plant is important.
Can you go vertical? Garden or plant boxes are great space savers, not to mention that they add another visually appealing dimension to the garden. Other benefits include better water and nutrient retention in the soil as well.
Ensure that you have a good water source close by
Check the weather… Starting a garden too early (usually before the last frost) with most plants can lead to early demise if one is not careful. Get to know your local seasonal frost dates.
Blanket wrapping your garden in cooler temperatures to protect from freezing is the best line of defence should unexpected cold weather strike
Start indoors – quite a few plants like peppers, squash, eggplants, tomatoes - can (and may need to) be started indoors, hardened in season and subsequently transplanted.
Pots – Garden pots and planters can be great for herbs and spices
Choose a quality soil – if you are going to invest your time in the garden, invest the resources into the material in which it is to grow to yield the best results
Mulch is your friend… Mulch is great for maintaining moisture and fending off pesky weeds.
Compost can help with adding other nutrients to your garden
Watch the bugs – not all bugs are your friend… Get to know the friendlies and the ‘not so friendly’ creatures prone to your area.
Positioning – taller plants like sunflowers or pole beans will provide shade later in season – watch what you plant next door that might otherwise be inhibited by their sun-blocking position.
Worms can be good… Worms actually help with soil drainage and root watering with their buried pathways.
Netting can help keep away unwanted pests and garden thieves
Last but not least.. LOVE. Show your garden some love and it is bound to give you a return.
