Your first step in growing an abundant garden is to thoughtfully and consciously choose its location. Too little sun and water - or too much - can make all the difference. Here’s a few pointers and good questions to ask yourself before you dig!
Do I know “MY” land’s history?
It’s incredibly important to It’s incredibly important to know what occurred in the years before you decided to love it. While it’s a beautiful thing to transform a place that once had trash to turn it into a paradise, it could also mean exposing your food to mercury, lead and toxins.
A Soil Test can give you this information, as well as what minerals your soil contains (and missing). Contact your land grant (state university), as they often offer soil testing services.
WHAT SIZE TO BUILD MY GARDEN?
This, of course, depends on how much room you have…a large backyard, a balcony, an acreage or an urban community plot. Here’s some questions for you to consider.
WHAT PLANTS DO I WANT TO GROW?
If you have a limited amount of space, you may want to prioritize what you love to eat and also what grows well in your zone.
For example, tomatoes need lots of space and lots of sunshine. (But are super yummy and well worth it!)
Companion planting is your friend!
To maximize space, you can plant carrots in between your tomatoes since they love each other. :)
Knowing your plants’ requirements ahead of time will help you lay out your plan of where and how to plant all your vegetables.
KNOW WHAT NOT TO PLANT TOGETHER.
For Example :
Tomatoes don’t flourish when they’re grown next to Cabbage, Broccoli or Fennel.
Why?
These plants can actually stunt or inhibit the tomatoes plant growth.
Tomatoes, on the other hand, do love to be next to Parsley, Basil, and Garlic.
They help repel insects, improve growth and can even enhance the flavor of your tomatoes.
All it takes is just a little bit of research and attention to detail.
7 PREPs FOR WHAT’S NEXT!
Source Native-grown, Locally-Sourced Seed when possible. Consider the needs of your plants to the ground they’re going to go in.
Pair your plants wisely. A well planned garden at the beginning will be your game changer
What kind of environment will you be growing in? A Spacious backyard? A Small deck patio? Is there lots of wild life around your area? If so, you may want to consider Fencing.
How big do you want your garden?How much is grow space? Have you considered the expense of water usage? Also plants need attention. The more you grow.. the more time & dedication you need.
What do you currently have for garden tools? A hoe? A trowel? A planter? Here’s a list of things you’ll need. (Link)
70% of a plants’ oxygen intake occurs through the soil. Remember that Soil is just like any other living organism depending on proper exchange of water, oxygen, and food.
Organic matter is a vital modifying agent of the soils’ chemical and physical properties. To promote more oxygen intake through the soil, adding more organic matter will encourage the presence of more earthworms. They will be able to introduce oxygen to the soil as well as add their own organic matter.
