For many Tri Cities Washington residents, the thought of starting a garden is rather daunting, for those who think this but want to start one this year, here are ten easy tips for the novice gardener.
1. Location of the garden needs to be in full sun
To produce the best vegetables, the plants need at least six hours of direct sun. if this amount of sun is unavailable then the plot needs to be relocated or kept to just leafy greens being grown.
2. Soil needs to be well-drained
If water sits in the soil too long then roots aren’t able to breathe. To check how well the soil drains dig a hole and pour water in it. With a ruler measure how fast the water drains, if it drains slower than 1-inch in an hour then a new location needs to be chosen.
3. Place the garden close to a door
If the garden is close to a door then it will be more visible by you and more likely that you will work in it.
4. Begin with a small area
If the garden is too big, it may turn into a chore rather than an enjoyment. An ideal size garden to start with would be a 10x10 foot plot.
5. Put a fence around your garden
To keep other animals from getting in and eating you plants, build a small fence around the garden. Chicken wire is inexpensive and effective, if needed the bottom half can be bent and covered with soil to keep animals from digging under the fence.
6. Increase the visual appeal of your garden
By adding beauty to your garden, it draws you in and causes you to enjoy it more. The garden could be dressed up by placing wooden pickets on the outside of a chicken wire fence. An arbor with climbing beans on it could also increase the visual appeal of the garden.
7. Plan the layout of your garden in four dimensions to optimize the use of space
The first dimension and second dimension flow together, they would be planting the plants in wide beds instead of rows. The third dimension would be adding plants that have height, not just ground level plants. The last dimension is adding plants that grow at different times, when one plant is done another grows in its place.
8. Fertilize and water at the right times
Fertilize in late winter with an organic fertilizer, if there is still vegetation growing then use soybean meal or spread compost. Place a can out to measure rain fall, make sure that there is about an inch of water going into the ground by using the rain and a sprinkler.
9. Weed your garden regularly
If weeds are let go they become very difficult to get rid of and kill. To avoid having to get rid of difficult weeds, weed regularly while they are tiny.
10. Choose the vegetables you like to eat and the varieties that taste the best
By choosing vegetables that you like to eat, you are ensuring that you will enjoy the profits of your vegetable garden. To get the best tasting varieties look online or go to your local gardening store and ask someone who works their; do your research.
Posted by Tri Cities Washington Realtors® Joe and Colleen Lane
Source: The Associated Press
Posted by Colleen Lane on
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