STARTS

If you decide to purchase “starts” (established plants in pots) instead of growing from seed, it’s very important to consider the “early childhood development” of your plants.

Organic farmer Dan Kittredge, one of our Next 7 Garden experts, has a lot to say about this! > Hyperlink < This can include everything from genetics and local adaptations to the management practices of the farm or grower. From our experience, when we source plant starts and seeds from farms practicing organic, biological, and/or biodynamic methods, we receive healthy, plants with vitality and vigor.

SPACE

Be sure to know how big your plants will end up being to insure they’ll have enough room to expand.

Plants will grow according to how much space they’re given when they begin to establish. Another way to say that is to plant for the garden you want. If you want a lot of tomatoes, give your plant lots of room to grow - 3 ft between is usually best. You will likely get more production from one tomato plant with plenty room to expand than from two or three crammed into one space.

LIGHT

Place your transplants in your garden area according to the amount of sun each plant will need to thrive.

The easiest way to approach this is to simply observe the area for a full day of sun during the growing season. Notice which areas get the most sun, and which get the least. Some plants require a full day of sunlight and others only partial sun. Most plants and seeds are marked with this information.

WATER

The impact of fresh, clean and vital water on your plants and soil cannot be overstated. Of course, access determines what your garden receives.

Water is a very big topic, but again, vitally important. For now, we’ll offer a few tips at planting time.

 After digging holes for the transplants, prepare a large watering can or bucket with water, our Next 7 Garden Liquid Feed and pinch of Seed Inoculant (if you didn’t plant from inoculated seed). After digging your holes, pour the water mixture into the hole and let it soak deep into the soil. 

This will give the roots some encouragement to reach deep into the ground, stabilizing their growth.

MICROBIOME

(Yes, plants have one, too!)

The best way to help create a microbiome for your plants is to start your plants from seed, adding a pinch of inoculant in the seed pack before planting (see SEEDS section).

If not, that’s okay! A pinch of microbes in the water (see above) when planting will give it a boost. 

Remember, healthy plants support healthy people!.

BIODIVERSITY

Life requires diversity to flourish. Your garden is no exception!

Most of us know that planting flowers will attract beneficial bees and butterflies. Also, marigolds, for example, release a scent that acts as a natural repellant for pests. There are loads of great books on companion planting that we recommend. Planting a diversity of herbs, flowers, fruits and vegetables into a vital, soil ecosystem will give your garden an opportunity to function as Nature does - in harmonious systems and cycles.

SUPPORT & STABILITY

Consider the full growth of your plants. Will they need any kind of support as they get taller?

Tomatoes, for example, as they start to reach maturity they get tall and start producing heavy fruit so will need some form of strong support to keep them from collapsing. Also remember that your plants are sentient and living, absorbing energy around them. Support them with your most positive vibes, so they grow to their fullest potential!