In this day and age, the uncertainty of job, income, health etc. all come into play. One way of helping yourself and your family save some money, eat healthier and save a sense of accomplishment is by preparing and planting a garden. In recent years I haven't taken the opportunity as often as I should to raise a garden and take advantage of the benefits. It isn't hard for me to remember working in the garden of my grand parents. It was somewhat a family/community garden. All my aunts and uncles who lived near by would all participate in the garden preparation and maintenance. My bothers and sisters along with cousins all participated in turning over the soil, tilling and raking in order to prepare it for planting. It was a great experience and wonderful way to learn about hard work and a job well done.
Have you always wanted to plant your own garden but aren't sure how to start it? How often have you purchased flowers and then thought "I should grow my own flowers!"? How often do you think "I bet if I grew my own fruits and veggies they would taste better and I'd save some money" when you are standing in the produce section at the grocery store? How often do you think about saving some money by growing your own herbs? Have you ever looked at your house or apartment and thought "but where the heck would I put this garden?" Here is news that should make you happy: you can grow your own garden just about anywhere you want, even in your living room! Here are some tips to help you begin.
Take a close look at your space. If you do not have an outdoor space for your garden (even for containers) you will have to limit yourself to plants that you can grow indoors, at least until you move to someplace new. If your home does have a yard you will need to figure out how much of that yard you are going to set aside for your new garden. The space that is available will help you figure out just what you can grow and how extensive your garden will be. For example: a small garden kept inside is not going to be a good place to grow vegetables, fruit or anything that grows on a vine.
Decide upon which plants you want to grow in your garden. Different kinds of plants have different kinds of needs. Each type of plant has its own soil and nutrient requirements--you'll need to have these set up before you plant. If you plan out your garden in advance you'll be able to ensure that you have everything you need ready to go. If you don't do any advance planning you run the risk of accidentally killing your plants before they really have a chance to grow. There isn't any rule that advises against growing different types of plants but you need to plan that type of project out in advance before you start planting.
Prepare your soil before you start planting your seeds. Believe it or not, you won't have much luck if you simply toss some seeds at a patch of dirt and hope they grow. You need to prepare the ground where you will be planting ahead of time. Clear out the debris like rocks. Till the ground so that there is oxygen moving freely through it. Container and indoor gardens will also need some preparation work before planting can be done.
Believe it or not gardening is a lot of fun! It's okay to admit that you like getting dirty and playing in the dirt.
You're probably reminded of your childhood. Dedicated gardeners report that it is this feeling that makes them enjoy their hobbies so much. They probably feel more like they are playing than working! If you can do this in your childhood, you can do it again. Come on! Let's get up and get going and plan that garden now while Spring is on the way. Good luck.
