Sunday, January 10, 2021
So you are interested in dabbling in edible gardening, but not quite sure how to get started. Here are some tips to begin the incredible, edible journey.
Plan the layout of your garden
The easiest way to get started is to plant in an existing flower bed. Do a survey of your existing beds and decide where you have room to tuck in edibles. Most edibles required 6 or more hours of direct sunlight. Keep this in mind. Draw it out on a piece of paper, including rough measurements of the garden bed.
Make a small list of produce you are buying
The biggest mistake a new gardener makes is trying to grow too much the first season. The edibles that thrive on neglect are herbs. You can always start with these your first season. I would stick with buying plants for the first year or two. Local hardware stores, big box stores and nurseries carry a wide variety of herbs and vegetables that should grow well in your climate.
With the list, look back on the survey you did on where you can add edibles into your landscape. Add them to your drawing so you can remember when it is time to buy what you need to get. Develop your shopping list of plants to buy. Do a little research to know for the plants you want to grow if they grow best in cool weather or warm weather.
Determine the amendments you need for your garden bed
Doing a soil test is the best way to determine the best fertilizer and amendments to add at planting. You can take the soil sample to you local extension office for testing. They will also analyze it and share exactly what your garden bed needs. If this is more than you want to do, just add an all natural fertilizer when you plant.
You will also need a trowel to dig the holes. It is also nice to have a pad to rest your knees on as you plant and gloves. This is all you really need to get going.
Start a garden journal
You may think you will remember everything you want to do and what your plan is, but most of us will not remember all the details. Start a journal right now. Capture all your thoughts and decisions you have made. Include the garden layout in your journal.
No comments:
Post a Comment