Picture this. You’re in the middle of cooking a recipe and you need an ingredient and realize that it won’t require a trip to the store because it is just outside your door. If that wasn’t enough excitement then how about knowing that it’s going to be fresh, delicious, organic, and carries the extra satisfaction of knowing that you grew that bad boy! Welcome to home gardening.
Of course that all sounds good and you’ve seen pictures of amazing gardens but where do you begin? The following ten tips will set you up for success. These tips may seem overly simple for some but they provide a foundation to build upon. There will be time later to talk about composting, companion planting and the list goes on. When you get started right in gardening there should be a warning label: “This activity can be addicting!” So let’s dig in! (Sorry, couldn’t help myself)
#1 Repeat After Me: “I’m Going To Kill Something But I’m Going To Live!”
We begin with expectations because it doesn’t really matter if you’re a mediocre or master gardener this is going to happen. Although there are many variables that we can control; nature, or the dog or some kid often conspire against us.
You will have seeds that won’t sprout, seedlings that are mowed down by slugs or rabbits, a plant will become a frisbee casualty or unseasonably cold or hot conditions will prevail. You can shout or pout but the reality is THIS IS NORMAL. Breathe deeply in and out. Every planting season has variables.
#2 Be A Strategically Small Thinker!
In other words: Have a plan and start small. Not everyone has the same space to work with but often beginning gardeners start too big. They plant too many plants in too big of an area then become overwhelmed by the weeding, watering and harvesting demands. It’s discouraging to throw away 5 gallon buckets of tomatoes that have gone bad because you couldn’t keep up with them (keeping it real). Conventional wisdom suggests starting out with a 10 X 10 garden bed. You can always go bigger next season after you’ve got some experience under your belt.
When it comes to planning out how to use the space you have, begin on paper. It’s much easier to erase ideas than to dig up seeds or plants. We’ll discuss plant spacing in more detail later but for now you’ll want to pencil out where to plant taller growing plants (Like corn, pole beans, indeterminate tomatoes, etc.) so they don’t shade other plants and allow space for bushier plants.
#3 Location, Location, Location!
It’s not just a maxim for real estate but gardening too! If you want your garden to thrive there are a few things for you to consider. First and foremost is the amount of sunshine your location receives. Of course, there are some plants that can thrive in part/sun or shady conditions but most plants require a minimum of 6-8 hours of direct sunlight.
Other considerations include access to water, large tree roots, drainage, and how far you have to travel to access your tools. Gardening is fun, but having to walk the distance of a football field to grab a watering can or some other tool gets old really fast!
Papa Dan-ism: “Gardening is fun, but having to walk the distance of a football field to grab a watering can get old really fast!”
#4 Caution: Garden Under Construction!
Now it is time to make your garden, keeping in mind its orientation to the sun, but what type will it be? There are (4) classic options to choose from depending on your situation.
- In Ground – Picture a rototiller or spade breaking up the soil, turning it over, while picking out rocks, weeds and debris as you go. Some go the extra mile and mix in organic compost. This is probably the most economical in the short run.
- No Dig – This method is growing in popularity as gardeners don’t want to disrupt the microbial structure of the soil. They begin by placing sheets of cardboard or thick layers of newspaper on top of the ground to smother existing vegetation then pile compost, well aged manure, topsoil and other organic matter on top of that. Although it takes a little longer, worms will work the nutrients throughout.
- Raised Beds – Similar to “no dig” you are putting soil on top of the existing ground while giving it greater definition by the use of materials that you use. Raised beds can be made out of non treated wood, brick, metal or you can purchase a variety of kits to help you get started. Raised beds help to control weeds, provide good drainage, warm the soil, prevent soil compaction from foot traffic and you can control their height to suit your needs. I have some 3 foot tall beds which saves on the old back!
- Containers – These are king in small space situations and can be moved to follow the sun if desired. Just about anything can become a mini-garden as long as you provide some drainage holes. I’ve seen old pots, wheelbarrows, bathtubs, tires, buckets, etc. beautifully repurposed. As an added bonus, there are many new seed varieties especially adapted for container gardening.
Whatever structure you choose you don’t want to skimp on good soil. Years ago, I thought it was foolish of a friend of mine to spend money on adding good garden soil and compost to his beds every year. But his results told the story. Now I’m a believer and the last thing you want to do is to have to “fight” against poor soil holding your garden back.
#5 Time To Get Seedy
Choosing what you will plant is the fun part. Consider what recipes you like, what might be fun for the kids, or a particular plant that you just want to try and grow. Planting seeds is significantly less expensive & gives you a lot more options. When considering what seeds to buy, stick with organic, heirloom varieties, and seeds that are grown in your hardiness zone or colder. Also, consider planting a few flowers which will draw pollinators to your garden. Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds is my go to company at the moment.
Starting some seeds indoors extends your growing season significantly. If you don’t have the ability to start seeds indoors or in a greenhouse then you might need to buy plant starts especially for heat loving plants as your growing season won’t be long enough for them to thrive.
You also need to consider when you plant. There are cool-season crops preferring temps under 70 degrees F. (e.g., lettuce, radish, spinach, and broccoli) and warm-season crops preferring temps over 70 degrees F. (e.g., tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, and beans). If you plant at the wrong time your plants will struggle, bolt, or die. It is helpful to know the estimated last & first frost in your region to help you plot out how many growing days you have to work with.
#6 Spacing And Support
Plants need proper spacing to maximize their potential yield, discourage disease, and prevent situations where plants have to compete for what they need. Most seed packets or starts provide spacing guidelines.
Support for your plants is also a consideration. A standard indeterminate tomato can grow 6-8 feet tall so will need some kind of vertical support. Other plants might benefit from cages or trellises. Wherever you can encourage plants to grow vertically you will save on space.
#7 The Art Of Watering
Plants obviously need water but how much is enough? Sources often say they need 1 inch of water per week but I don’t find that very helpful. The old knuckle test to the rescue. Stick your finger into the soil up to your 2nd knuckle. How does it feel? Bone dry & sopping wet are the two extremes we are trying to avoid. Slightly moist is the sweet spot. Believe it or not but wilting plants can also be due to over watering. Maybe they’re saying, “We’re drowning.” Here are some other considerations:
- Water in the morning so plants can uptake the moisture before the heat of the day.
- Watering deeply less frequently is better for root development than frequent light watering.
- Water directly at the base of the plant if possible to prevent wet leaf conditions that foster disease.
- Soaker hoses are ideal, drip line irrigation is even better but the old watering can works too although more time consuming.
- Don’t be fooled by drooping leaves as some plants transpire moisture during the day but recover by morning. The knuckle test will tell you if your plants are really thirsty or not!
#8 I’m Hungry, Feed Me!
Just like children your plants go through growth spurts and need extra nutrition. Look for water soluble, organic, balanced (e.g. 5-5-5) fertilizer and give your plants a power drink every week. More is not always better so be sure to follow the instructions. Just a note about fish & bone meal. They are wonderful supplements but be warned dogs also love them.
Water soluble, organic fertilizers are great but good soil amended with organic compost trumps them all. Try to cover your garden area with 2” of organic compost in the early spring and in the fall to reinvigorate your soil. Chicken & rabbit manure is also an ideal fertilizer but must be well aged & mixed in with other organic material or it could burn your plants. Someday you’ll want to create your own compost but for now you can get some at your garden center.
#9 Give Me Ten!
Make it a habit to stroll around your garden 10 minutes every day. Why? Because it is fun to make daily discoveries of what is new and flourishing. But that isn’t the only reason. Your garden is a living ecosystem that is actively changing. By spending regular time there you can spot disease or insect problems early on. Also, some vegetables like beans, peppers, tomatoes, etc. need regular picking to stimulate their growth. While others need to be watched, like zucchinis, so they don’t go rogue and become super sized taking over the garden!
#10 Chronicle The Adventure!
Every year I learn a ton but it would probably be for naught if I didn’t write down the lessons. Record what seeds did well, which ones didn’t and when you planted them. Create a simple map of where you planted things so you can repeat your success, rotate crops next time and avoid your losses. Jot down what pests or diseases were an issue so you can be more prepared next time.
Finally, a garden should be a place of creativity and self expression. Plant that funky seed you picked up. Try something new. Create new vertical growing spaces from free materials. You’ll never know until you try something. Not that you need it but Papa Dan gives you permission to “do you” as you build your first gardens. Have fun growing!