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We’ve seen a lot of lockdown trends come and go in the past year: sourdough starters, whipped coffee, and King tiger, For example, but not limited.
Fortunately, there are still more health-focused trends, such as how to start a botanical garden.
According to anyone The surveyIn response, 26% of Americans have shown their green thumb in response to the pandemic.
And interest It is not expected to disappear Once people are out, too.
Lisa Moiseeva, a horticulturist and co-founder of Glamorous. “Instead of going to the grocery store to buy your favorite veggies, you have a stock of food right outside your door.”
If you suffer from a garden bug, follow these steps to learn how to create a vegetable garden.
1. Work with what you have
Many people think that a vegetable garden should be a traditional garden ground bed in order to count.
But the truth is, a vegetable garden can be as simple as a few pots and Containers On your balcony or patio, or even a mix of ground plants and pots.
So don’t be discouraged if your “green” space is limited to the window sill.
He says, “Any vegetables can be grown in a home garden provided that the garden site has enough light, space and good soil.” Julie WeisenhornMA, Assistant Professor of Horticulture at the University of Minnesota.
2. Befriend gardeners
Beginner gardeners should take advantage of free or low-cost resources in their area.
Weisenhorn suggests starting on the main supplement gardener website in your county.
Several websites answer frequently asked questions, list classes taught by volunteer gardeners, and provide a space for your own questions.
Your local garden center is another great place to get information about home gardens. Usually the staff themselves are avid gardeners.
3. Test your soil
If you are digging your lawn to build a lawn, test the soil before purchasing seeds or plants so you know what to work with.
A soil test will tell you how acidic or alkaline the soil is, as well as the nutrients that may be missing.
Remember the pH scale that goes from 1 to 14?
If your soil is less than 7, it is considered acidic (also called sour), while above 7 it is alkaline (sweet). Anything between 6.2 and 7.2 is roughly neutral.
This information can help you decide which plants will grow “and what modifications and fertilizers should be added to benefit the new garden plants,” Weisenhorn says.
Most of them prefer almost neutral soilBut some prefer more acid.
Some colleges and universities have Local cooperative extension offices Have a soil test lab that will analyze your sample for a fee.
You can also test yourself using a homeware kit from your local home and garden store.
4. Choose low maintenance plants
When deciding what to plant your home garden, look for easier options the first time.
Herbs A great place to start.
“Most grasses grow well in full sun, are dry soil tolerant, and don’t need a lot of fertilizer,” says Weisenhorn. “Buy herb plants from a local greenhouse and grow them in containers on your roof or backyard, or plant them with flowers.”
Consider basil, rosemary, sage, coriander, lavender, dill, chives, and fennel.
Edible flowers Lilies, anise, and hyssop are a good choice for any size garden.
Meanwhile, leafy greens like kale and chard can tolerate little shade, and many of them are “cut” varieties, “which means you can cut some leaves and the plant will continue producing,” says Weisenhorn.
If you have the space, consider warm seasonal vegetables like peppers, eggplant, tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, and watermelon. These need large containers or trellises.
Once you feel more comfortable with gardening, Moiseeva suggests trying your luck with more complex vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, celery, carrots, and onions.
5. Start with plants rather than seeds
Once you have decided what to plant it is time to visit your local greenhouse. They can be a useful resource when learning how to start a botanical garden.
You have two options: Start vegetables from seed, or buy plant “sprouts” or seedlings.
Weisenhorn suggests buying plants if you are running a minimal amount of real estate, and / or don’t have time to raise seeds.
“It takes longer to start seeds,” she says. Weisenhorn adds that most seeds must spend six to eight weeks germinating indoors in a tray before they go to the ground.
But if space isn’t an issue and you don’t mind the challenge of starting seeds, feel free to give it a try!
Get advice from the staff at your local garden center.
6. Get the right tools
As you store plants, be sure to collect any tools and equipment you’ll need to build and care for your vegetable garden.
Includes soil and / or fertilizers.
According to Weisenhorn, the tools any gardener will need include:
- Washable gardening gloves
- shovel
- Hand scissors
- A watering can and / or hose and garden nozzle
What other tools you may need will depend on what you grow.
Have pegs or poles for climbing plants like beans, cucumbers, and pumpkins; Pots or containers for young plants; And sturdy tomato cages.
“If you have a large outdoor garden, you may also need a hoe to plant the soil and get rid of any weeds,” Moiseeva says.
You will also need a hoe if you are digging your lawn and / or digging up a lot of soil.
7. Planting Away!
Once you have the plants, soil, tools, and knowledge, it’s time for the fun part: planting your home garden.
Fill pots and containers, dig up your garden bed, and prepare trellises or stakes.
Make sure to prepare your plants where they can get the right amount of light and shade (check plant labels for details).
Remember to grow your plants Water And fertilize them as needed.
Keep in mind that some plants – like tomatoes – need a specific fertilizer, Weisenhorn says. Read the label and follow the directions for use.
Oh, and don’t forget to enjoy your loot!
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