If you live in a house with a plot of land around or behind it, one way you might like to consider saving money is to plant your own food or herb garden. Having a garden has a lot of advantages. Growing your own fruits, vegetables, and herbs can save you money at the grocery store on food, jams and jellies, flavorings, medicines, and even homemade gifts.
And these days, with food prices so expensive, especially for organic produce, there are even more reasons to think about starting your own garden. Food just doesn't get any fresher, tastier, or healthier than picking it out of a garden. You can enjoy being frugal while increasing your quality of life with a garden.
Even if you do not think you have a green thumb, starting a garden can be easy once you know how. These tips will help get you started and make sure that it thrives:
1. Decide what you're going to grow.
What does your family like to eat? What do you use a lot of? What will produce the best yield? Keep in mind that some vegetables, like squash, tomatoes, and peppers produce continuously, while others, like carrots and corn, only produce once.
2. Decide how much you're going to grow and how much space you'll need.
Most new garden owners tend to get a little carried away and take on a garden that's bigger than they need. Again, look for the kinds of veggies that produce continuously and you will not need as much space, which will mean less work but a steady harvest of items for your kitchen table.
3. Find the perfect spot.
In general, your garden will grow better if it receives a lot of sunlight. It also needs drain well, so the dark and soggy spot in the back corner of the yard isn't what you're looking for. Find a place that is sunny and flat.
Also consider how much traffic you will get in your yard. People, children and pets can be more harmful to the garden than any wildlife. Also consider it in relation to the house and facilities you will need to maintain it. For instance, if you live in a dry climate, you will need to put it within a hose-length of the house so you can water it regularly.
4. Start with good soil.
Ask your local nursery for advice about the soil in the area. You can even have it tested. In general, you want soil that's not too loose (sandy soil) and not too solid (clay soil). Either sand or organic matter can be added to the soil to improve its quality.
5. Prepare your soil by tilling it.
Tilling the soil means to turn it over, break up hard clumps, eliminate any rocks, and generally prepare your soil to be able to take the items you want to plant and help them thrive. A tiller makes easy work of the job. Rent or borrow one for the day or the weekend depending on how large a garden you have and how rugged the soil. A pick and shovel might do for a smaller patch and will also give you a good workout.
Turn over the soil, then add whatever the local nursery has suggested to make the soil suitable for planting. Then try to smooth it about a little into a good bed for the crops you plan to plant.
6. Plant your garden.
Follow the directions on the seed packets or seedlings. Be sure to space the plants properly, plant at the proper depth, and plant at the proper time for your area. Then it is time to be patient.
7. Maintain your garden.
Gardens need two things after they've been planted: watering and weeding. Most new gardeners tend to over-water. Things have to dry out from time to time to prevent mold or fungus from developing. The soil should stay soft and damp but not soaking.
Water your garden twice a week. This should be sufficient in most locations in the middle of summer. A light watering every day tends to encourage shallow root growth, so deep watering once or twice a week is better for forming deep roots and healthy plants. This is known as drenching. Obviously, judge what your garden needs based on the amount of rain that has fallen that week.
Spend a few minutes each day pulling any weeds or using natural weeding remedies. Weeds can take over the garden quickly if you are not vigilant at all times and choke the life from the plants you are trying to grow.
If you have the space, plant your rows with enough room to allow your rake to fit between the rows. Then you can quickly drag the rake through to pull the weeds out. You might also consider planting other plants that are natural pesticides/insect repellents to help keep down pests and make your garden truly organic.
Having a garden is a fair amount of work in the initial phase, and involves paying attention and applying a small amount of effort each day or so in order to maintain it. However, the rewards can be bountiful in the form of fresh, organic produce that you and your family can enjoy, to help you save money and eat in a more healthy manner. Start doing your research to see if a garden is right for you and your family.
Evelyn Trimborn - Evelyn Trimborn is a freelance writer who frequently contributes to a number of blogs, including: healthful-goddess.com, ...
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