Tips to Grow a Garden

A beginner's guide to planting

From the LifeMinute.TV Team

April 15, 2023

There are mucho benefits to having your own garden. In honor of National Gardening Day on April 14, here are some pointers to flex those green thumbs.

Plan in Advance
Garden prep needs to start months before you even think about putting a plant in the ground, so make sure you give yourself plenty of time to get started, specifically if you are growing from seeds. You will want to check for any special timing instructions. While some can be planted before the last frost, others must wait until late May for temperatures to be warm enough, depending on where you live.

Decide What to Plant Where
Determining what you’re planting will help you decide where to place your garden and how much room you'll need. It's essential to understand what will be in your garden. Flowers and vegetables may require various amounts of sunlight and space. Put tall veggies toward the back of the bed, mid-sized ones in the middle, and smaller plants in the front or as a border.

Prepare the Space and Soil
Whether you opt for an in-ground garden or in a bed, you need to prep the soil. Begin by loosening it to a depth of at least 8-12 inches so that roots can reach down. Add compost, such as vegetable peelings, fruit waste, teabags, plant prunings, grass cuttings, shredded paper, or eggshells. Apply 1 to 2 ½ inches of that compost to the surface and till down into the top 6 inches of soil.

Plant Your Garden
When putting your plant into the soil, make a hole deep enough and wide enough to hold the roots. Carefully remove the plant from the pot and gently loosen the roots so they grow outward. Place the roots in the ground but do not entirely bury the plant. Add some dirt around the base of the plant so it is sturdy but not packed too tightly.

Prune and Water Regularly
How closely you tend to your garden can make all the difference. Maintenance, such as watering daily and pruning certain plants, is essential. Water at the soil level around a plant. That way, it can be absorbed by the roots. On hot summer days, it is best to water plants first thing in the morning so they can drink up the water before it evaporates. And don't forget to pick your veggies when ready.

Protect from Pests
The best way to keep animals out of your garden is to have some form of a barrier, whether a fence or a net covering. Keep your lawn cut short to keep rodents away. For bugs, you can make your own repellent. Dilute vinegar with equal parts water in a spray bottle and use it over and under the leaves of affected plants.