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7 Garden Growing Basics for Beginners
Growing your own produce is an all-around smart practice , from the money you ’ ll save at the grocery store to the contributions you can make toward a cleaner planet .
Maintaining a garden takes some effort , but it ’ s a project even a beginner can tackle with ease . Consider these tips to start growing your at-home garden :
1 . Select a perfect spot . You ’ ll want to place your garden in an area where you see it often so you ’ re reminded to weed and care for it regularly . Find a flat area you can access easily , where erosion and other pitfalls ( including hungry wildlife ) won ’ t be a problem .
2 . Choose between ground and containers . There are pros and cons to gardening in containers vs . the ground , and there ’ s no universal right choice . Rather , the best garden depends on your goals and preferences . A ground garden usually offers more space and may provide a better growth environment for roots . However , a container garden is often easier to maintain and may be all you need if you wish to grow just a few plants .
3 . Understand the importance of quality soil . You may think any dirt will do , but keep in mind the soil you plant in will be the primary source of nutrients for your produce . Not only that , but quality soil provides stability so plants can root firmly and grow healthy and sturdy to
support their bounty . Quality soil also allows for ample drainage . Organic matter like compost , leaf mold or aged manure all help improve soil quality .
4 . Keep water close . Lugging water can quickly eliminate the pleasure of tending your garden , so be sure you ’ re situated near a hose . You ’ ll know it ’ s time to water when the soil is dry about an inch below the surface .
5 . Plan for plenty of sun . A bright , sunny spot is a must , since most vegetables , herbs and fruits depend on six or more hours of sun every day . Remember the sun ’ s path changes throughout the year , and as trees and foliage grow , they may produce more shade with each growing season .
6 . Consider what you ’ ll grow . Starting with veggies you know you like
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is a smart starting point since you ’ ll be pouring sweat equity into making them grow . Over time , you might add new varieties , but early on , keep your focus on foods you know you like so you can see a meaningful return and avoid waste . You ’ ll also need to consider what you can grow to maturity within your area ’ s growing season . If necessary , you might want to start transplants you can nurture indoors before moving them outside when the temperatures allow .
7 . Plant according to a calendar . Knowing how long it takes different foods to mature will help you create a planting calendar . You don ’ t want to harvest everything at once , and if you stagger planting and replant what you can , you ’ ll have a garden that produces food for your family for a longer period of time . n
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