How To Garden Series: Part 1 – Choosing your Garden Spot

How to Garden

I can’t tell you how much I LOVE fresh veggies out of my garden. Especially tomatoes. There is just no comparison to the taste of fresh grown vegetables as to the store bought ones.If you feel like you want to tackle to chore of having your own garden this year, here are some tips and ideas to help you get started. Keep in mind, I am no expert, but I am going to share with you what I have learned. If you know something I didn’t add, please leave a comment so we can all learn more. This is a four part series, so be sure to check out the other posts in How to Garden. (coming soon)

HOW TO GARDEN PART 1 – CHOOSING YOUR GARDEN SPOT

This part can be tricky if you have a small yard (or no yard at all) but still want to enjoy the benefits of having a garden! Here are some ideas to help you get started:

• Pick a Spot that is going to get a lot of sunshine. Most Garden plants require a 6 hours of sunlight to grow properly. This will vary depending on where you live. If you are more north, you may need more than six hours because it is a little cooler, and if you live more south you may not want more than 6 hours because it is so hot.

• If you can’t pick a spot that goes “out” pick one that can go “up”. Most vine type plants (pumpkins, squash, etc) can grow up on a trellis and will save your ground space. This is also a great way to keep creepy crawly bugs off of them!
• Don’t pick a spot that is wet all the time “water-logged” and also avoid places that can be affected more by the elements (wind tunnel or frost pockets). Don’t plant under a tree since you would be in the shade most of the day and the soil is giving most of its nutrients to the tree so your garden would struggle.
• Keep it easy to get to and visit regularly. This will make it easy for you to keep weeded, as well as make sure pests and animals are not getting into it.

While it doesn’t look like much now, this is just out my back door and we are getting ready to plant the rest of the veggies for the summer. It is in the corner of our yard so it is out of the way of my kids, and it is easy to get to and therefore easy to water and maintain. I really enjoy having a garden. It gives me a little bit of a sense of self preservation. Its also good for our kids to learn how to do it and give them something to help with. Gardens are a great way to spend time together as a family!

If you don’t have room for a garden in your back yard, see if you can fit it into your front yard. Use boxes if you need to and put it on your porch. There are so many options. Don’t restrict yourself.

How To Garden Series: Part 1 – Choosing your Garden Spot