5 Things to Know When Starting Your Garden

Gardening is a great way to grow your own food, get outdoors, and have some fun. As with any hobby, if you're just starting out in the world of greens can seem overwhelming. We all have a green thumb. Here are some things to know when starting your garden.

1.Plan What You Want to Plant

Before you start your garden it is important to plan what you want to put in it. If you are planning on planting larger plants such as cucumbers, tomatoes, or squash you should consider a larger area outside. You should also consider the amount of sunlight your garden will have. Certain plants require full sun to grow while others can survive in more shaded areas.

2.Read Your Seed Packets

When buying your seeds make sure to read the back of the packet. It will tell you how much sun it needs, how long it takes to grow, and how to plant it. It is important to follow these instructions, but don’t fret if your seeds aren’t perfectly spaced out. These instructions are here to help you to best grow your garden. Some plants take longer than others to grow such as carrots while others grow very fast like green beans. Some plants need to be harvested before they get too large. If you leave beans on the plant for too long the seeds will start to get larger and make the bean bumpy and the skin thinner. 

3.Till Your Soil

Whether you’re using a garden box in your backyard or a container garden it is very important to till your soil. This allows you to break up your soil along with any leaves or weeds. When you buy a bag of soil you will often find that it is in clumps due to settling in the bag. You should then till it using a rake, a trowel, or even your hands. If you are working with pre-existing soil in your yard it is good to mix in other soil that will add more nutrients to your dirt which is imperative for your plants.

4.Watering is Everything!

After planting your seeds you should water your plants thoroughly. Make sure your soil is always moist. Outdoor gardens should be watered everyday especially at the beginning. If your garden is outdoors you should water in the early morning or evening while the sun is not fully on the plants. This will allow your garden to soak up the water before the sun hits it. This prevents the water from burning your plants when it is warmed by the sun.

As your plants mature make sure you don't over water. A sign that you're watering is your plants will start to turn yellow. If this occurs, refrain from watering your garden for a couple days and your garden will return to normal. Do not stop watering your garden for too long.

5.Mark Your Plants

It is important to mark your garden as you plant your seeds. This will help you remember what you planted as well as add a personal touch to your garden. You can buy markers at your local store or make your own out of popsicle sticks. Get creative!