Be Inspired
Be Inspired
at what you grow
I
n the hustle and bustle of modern living, sometimes we need to take a step back from the madness and enjoy the little things and for some nothing is more enjoyable that being in the dirt. But you do not have to putter around without a purpose as starting a backyard garden is a great way to relax while economising on your food bill. Few things are more satisfying that growing your own food. That said, you have to have a few things planned out ahead of time such as what you intend to grow, how big a yard space you have to work with and how much time you have to devote to your ‘farm’ daily. Remember to grow what you love to eat. It makes no sense to grow asparagus if you hate the taste of the stuff! The key to your farming success is to start small. Do not contemplate growing fruits or vegetables for Denbigh yet. Do it on a small scale first to test your skills as too much too soon can be chaotic. You have to prepare the ground. Get rid of the stones, rocks, cans and other useless things and make sure your soil is fertile. If you do not think it is rich enough, start adding compost, which is cheap as well as easy for anyone to do. Start with seeds or small plants and check to ensure that the plants are not discoloured or diseased. Monitor your progress and choose vegetables or fruits ideal for your climate. For example: do not think about pumpkins if you do not have a big yard as that vine will run wild like a child on a sugar high! Peppers, tomatoes, pear, banana, and plantains are easy to care for and do not require a whole lot of space. Read up on the ones you have chosen, as the more information you have the better. For vegetable farming, you need a spot where you can access at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. Buy good tools. Do not always buy the cheap stuff as it may cost you in the end when it does not last as long as it should. Before the actual planting, give the plants some water as a moist plant root will assist them in adapting quicker to the soil around it. Dig a hole that is as deep and usually two times as wide as the root ball of the plants. Water it properly. When all the plants are in their new bed give the garden a three inch layer of mulch which can include leaves or grass because this help to retain moisture while keeping weeds to a minimum. Then you have the fun of labelling them so that you remember exactly what you have in the ground to look forward to reaping.
Places & Spaces
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