How do you know things are getting serious? Usually, it’s when even the mainstream media is openly discussing a topic. Considering these outlets are confirming food shortages for 2023, that time is now.
No matter your socioeconomic status, you can start a mini garden. Doing so now can help sustain your family in the event things get worse.
Not everyone has the skills, time, and patience to start a garden immediately, though. First, you may need to get informed about basic gardening tips and tricks to get started.
The good news is that you don’t have to go far. We’ve compiled this guide to help explain gardening for beginners. Read on to get informed and empower yourself to break free from the mainstream.
- Only Grow What You Want and Need
Before you lay out gardening goals, you need to consider the purpose behind your actions. Why do you want to grow a garden? What do you hope to achieve by implementing these gardening ideas?
If you plan to garden as a food source, then only pick food you want and need. There is no reason to have several tomato plants if you won’t eat, sell, or use the end result.
If you plan to garden as a hobby or for fun, then no worries! Plant what you want!
It’s important to consider these things first, though, so you don’t waste time and money. There’s nothing more frustrating than rearing up a plant only to find out it’s not what you expected.
- Location is Key
Next, you need to figure out where you will plant your seeds. While this task may not seem that serious, it is! All plants are unique. They all have specific needs, and they can’t all grow in one climate.
With that in mind, find a location that matches the needs of the plant you want to grow. Never sow your seeds on infertile ground. Doing so won’t be prosperous.
Depending on where you live, you may need to get creative. Consider innovations like a raised garden bed if you live in a rocky or flood-prone area. Make a greenhouse if you live in a colder area.
- Focus on the Soil
Once you’ve chosen a good place to get started, your next task is to focus on the soil. When getting started, you may not realize how important the soil you choose is, but it makes a huge impact.
For the most part, loam is the best soil to use. This type of texture includes clay, silt, and sand in equal parts.
Loam soil is breathable and can hold moisture without soaking too much of it in. It also contains organic matter.
This soil balance is necessary if you plan on fruit or vegetable gardening.
- Start Slow But With a Plan
Next, get started on your plan for your garden. Get to work on creating a great environment for your seeds, and plant them in fertile ground. Know and understand what comes next.
Plan out how you will care for your plants in the coming months. Watering them is essential, as well as looking for potential pests.
It’s also beneficial to get informed about common weeds in your area. If you identify a weed growing, then it’s often better to get it away from your plants. That way, your plant has access to more nutrients to grow.
- Research the Plant You Want to Grow
Learning all the basic gardening tips above is foundational to your gardening journey. It’s only a start, though. You’ll want to build on that knowledge by researching the specific plants you want to grow.
by diving deeper into those plants, you’ll learn all kinds of new tricks and skills. You’ll also learn the best ways to care for the specific plants you’re growing. This wills set you up for success.
Remember, what may work for one plant may not work at all for another. Some plants need a ton of water, while others thrive on little amounts.
- Keep a Gardening Calendar or Journal
If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed right now, then that’s understandable! Gardening is tough, and it takes a lot of effort.
One way to stay organized throughout the ordeal is to keep a gardening calendar or journal. Lay out what plants to water and when. Note days that will get devoted to weed eating.
Write the dates that you plant and the days you expect to harvest.
Keeping everything together will help you measure your progress. It will help you keep your plants healthy, and it will help you stay on track.
- Patience and Discipline are Crucial
Throughout your gardening journey, you may make mistakes. You may work hard without results.
That’s okay! So long as you remain patient and disciplined, you will see results. Keep going!
Gardening Tips to Implement in 2023
Are you ready to build your dream garden?
The gardening tips above should give you a good foundation to get started. While it will cost money to buy gardening tools and gardening products, it’s worth it.
There are very few things in life more important than food security. Don’t make the mistake of waiting to find that out the hard way.
Instead, keep researching new gardening ideas. If you don’t have a natural green thumb, then don’t give up! Try and try again. The fruits of your labor will be worth your time and effort.
Are you looking for more important tips and advice to follow this year? It’s never been more important to stay informed. Head over to our health section now for more of our best articles.