Your garden can be a source of food, joy, healing and much much more. In today’s world the importance of learning to grow your own food is critical. Not only can you save money, but as Anthony William has taught us, the food we grow ourselves has incredible personalized healing power.
I have been on my gardening journey for several years now. I want to make it fun and easy for you to start your garden. Here are 7 simple tips that have made my gardening life easier, and I know they will for you too!
It’s ALL About The Sun and SOIL!
When planting a garden, location is everything. You want to make sure your garden is South facing and pay close attention to any trees or buildings that could cast shade at certain times of day. A thriving garden needs plenty of sunshine!
Invest in your soil. Plant life begins in the soil. Improve the quality of your soil, because ultimately that is what grows good plants.
The soil anchors plants, provides them with water, facilitates nutrients absorption and plant immunity. To get dark, rich soil, add organic matter like composts, mulches, worm castings, and sea minerals.
Beginners should start with 2-6 inches of compost.
Ideally, you want your soil structure to be crumbly and easy to dig. Such soil accepts water easily and offers oxygen for plants’ roots.
Ground Cover
Think of ground cover like your own skin – if removed you become very vulnerable. The same goes for the earth. When the ground cover is removed, the soil becomes vulnerable. You don’t want to expose the soil to the sun at this stage because it kills the microbes.
In addition, ground cover serves as a soil builder. Cardboard, weed-mat, grasses, and shade all serve to keep moisture in and the sun from baking the soil
A good ground cover will also fix the nitrogen levels in the soil. One of the best ground covers for the area of the country where I live (East Coast if the US) is white clover.
Timing – When To Plant Your Garden
The timing of when you plant is actually half the battle.
In addition to knowing when there will no longer be any frost, you also want to make sure the soil is not too wet. The soil should be crumbly, but not too dry.
A great resource to help you plan your planting just right is the Stella Natura Biodynamic Planting Calendar.
Another useful tool is the Moon and Garden App.
Fencing & Combatting Insects Without Pesticides
Be sure you have solid fencing to keep the animals out. I have found that 4’ tall vinyl mesh fencing works very well, and you can plant something like long beans that will grow up the fencing.
While fencing helps keep animals like deer and rabbits out, what about insects and other pests?
One way to combat insects without using harmful pesticides is to interplant. Such plants as garlic, onions, chives, and chrysanthemums will help to keep the insects and other pests away.
If you are really having trouble, try Dr. Earth’s Yard and Garden Insect Killer.
Keep It Simple – Start Small
There is nothing worse than the feeling of being overwhelmed, particularly by something that is meant to bring you joy. If you bite off more than you can chew when first starting your garden, it will result in an overgrown mess and will become a burden and source of stress.
It is best to start small, even just one bed. As you become more experienced with gardening and you have the time to devote, you will naturally expand. If you have no outdoor garden space, check out my blog here on growing your own sprouts at home.
Watering Your Garden
Make sure you have a reliable water source in close proximity to your garden. You can use a hose to water by hand, or set up a simple irrigation system using sprinklers, soaker hoses, or drip irrigation.
Next to sunlight and soil, water is the most important element to a happy garden.
Keep your soil moist to the touch but not saturated.
Overwatering is actually worse than under-watering, as it is easier to revive a dry plant than it is to dry out a drowned plant.
Watering your garden in the early morning will conserve moisture loss and help avoid fungal diseases.
The Right Tools For The job
While you can create a beautiful garden with just a basic shovel, having the proper tools will certainly streamline the process.
These are some basic tools and supplies that will help you get started:
10-piece Gardening Tool Set with Zippered Detachable Tote and Folding Stool Seat with Backrest
For more products to help you get started, check out the Gardening Section of my Amazon Store. I have added the best products that I have found over the years. I hope you find this resource helpful!
For more helpful tips on starting and maintaining a successful garden, take a look at Anthony Anderson’s website: Grow Paradise
Anthony Anderson founded Grow Paradise as a way to communicate his vision of a better world through planting fruit trees and “permaculture.”
“When we realize that we can easily GROW PARADISE right where we live, our divine power returns to us. Our children deserve a paradise planet – we simply have to start growing it.”
Anthony Anderson
Leave me a comment and let me know what you are growing in your garden this season. I look forward to sharing more about our garden with you all as the summer months bring the fruits of our labor.
To your health & happiness,
Muneeza
