Very much like cooking, it seems to be a lost art in todays world. Nothing tastes better than fresh picked food. You don’t have to be an expert gardener to get some of the basics going at home. Here’s a thought process to get you started…
Container Garden: If you want to start really simple, you can start with some container planting. It’s a great way to get some experience without too much of an investment (financial or time). Simple herbs like basil, parsley, and chives will grow easily. Salad greens and tomatoes are a good bet too.
Raised Beds: Not as hard as you might think! If you have the space in your yard, this is a great way to build a versatile growing area. Raised beds really allow you to maximize space, as opposed to long rows like traditional farms use. There are pre-packaged kits you can buy, or you can build it yourself with just a little effort. The extra square footage will give you more versatility in what you can grow.
Location (Sun!): The most important thing to consider when setting up some home growing is sun exposure. Find the area’s of your home that will provide the longest stretches of sunlight. You don’t want to mess up this fundamental part of the equation!
Soil: You want a soil that is rich in organic matter. Mixing compost with your soil will do it if you are willing to put in the time. You can also spend a little bit extra to get a nice organic soil that is already prepared. Take advantage of local garden shops and ask questions about your plans, budget, and effort you are willing to put in.
Growing Up: Maximize your growing space by growing vertical. Take advantage of trellises, fencing or posts to stretch out tomato and cucumber plants. Hang pots or plants to keep things off the ground. There are a lot of creative methods out there if you want to get into it!
Climate and Timing: Do your research and find out what grows best in your area. Temperature, rainfall, moisture, and seasonal changes are all considerations. This is another example where are local professional will be able to greatly assist. You don’t want to plant the wrong seeds at the wrong time and wonder why you didn’t produce any harvest!
