Green Tips: How to plant your own garden

Green Tips | June 14, 2018

Spring is the perfect time to start your own garden! Gardening has many health and environmental benefits, such as the reduction of greenhouse gases, and the creation of habitats for small animals and insects. Gardening will help keep you active and has been known to reduce stress. Here are the simple steps you need to create your own garden.

  1. Choose a spot: Most plants need at least six hours of sun each day, so choosing a good spot is crucial to planting a successful garden. However, many plants can tolerate partial sun or live in the shade. For information on which plants can grow in each level of sunlight, click here.  
  2. Decide on plants: Be sure to choose plants that will work best in your specific environment. Your climate, the amount of sunlight your plant can receive, and the type of soil you plan on using all affect the type of plant that will grow best in your garden. For an in-depth look on which vegetables can thrive in your environment, click here.
  3. Composting: Adding compost to your soil will improve its quality and provide a better habitat where your plants can thrive. Loosening your soil by digging while it’s moist will allow your plant’s roots to penetrate the ground easier, and will also mix the compost in with your soil.
  4. Begin planting: If you plant directly from seed, most seed packets have instructions on how deep and far apart to plant each one. For beginners, try purchasing a young plant, also known as transplants, and plant it directly into the ground.
  5. Watering: New seeds and transplants usually need to be watered daily. Once its roots become established, you can water less frequently depending on your soil and climate. Watering slowly, and early in the morning, will minimize evaporation and maximize the water your plant receives.
  6. Mulch: After planting your seeds or transplants, apply a layer of mulch to keep weeds out and water in.
  7. Maintenance: Remember to maintain your plants by watering as needed and removing weeds from the area. For more tips and information on gardening click here.
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