A growing number of people are looking for ways to reduce their grocery bills, and growing your own can save a lot of money compared to supermarket prices. Food gardening has officially become the hottest trend in home gardening right now, for several reasons. The best way we know that the food we are putting in our bodies is healthy is to make it homegrown. And the best part is that homegrown food tastes better than anything you can buy in a store.
If you’re like the 21 million people across North America who are planning to plant their first vegetable garden this year, a few truths will prove helpful during the planting season. Even seasoned veterans come away with small reminders about the most essential steps to a successful planting season.
Growing vegetables at home is easy and not as difficult as most people might think. These instructions will ensure you’re harvesting the crops you’ve worked so hard to grow as soon as possible.
An important factor is location.
Most vegetable plants grow best in the full sun. If possible, place them in an exposed location with at least six hours of sun a day. To make sure they receive the most sun exposure, make sure to place the tallest plants on the north or west side so they do not shade the smaller plants.
It all comes down to the soil.
Compost and organic matter will improve the soil in the vegetable bed, such as downed or aged leaves and ground or shredded bark. Whatever you have started, make sure to incorporate enough organic matter so that the amended soil does not become sand or compacted.
If you work the mix correctly, the organic matter will bind together when squeezed but disperse when disturbed. This soil is loaded with living microorganisms that feed your plants. Water will penetrate the soil through the pores but won't saturate it either.
Please use water wisely.
One inch of water per week, including any natural rainfall, is adequate for most vegetables. When watering vegetables, the most efficient and effective method of irrigating is by using soaker hoses or drip lines. The water is delivered slowly, on-target, so roots are given time to absorb the moisture and soil to properly hydrate and leaves dry. Wet foliage can promote fungus growth. Automatic timers can make this process much simpler.
Consider using mulch.
You can prevent the soil from becoming hotter in summer and colder in winter by mulching your plants and irrigating the ground. Mulch will insulate the soil and make it better moist in summer and cool in winter. In addition to helping to retain moisture, it suppresses weeds and acts as a barrier between the soil and plants thereby protecting the plants from diseases splashed up from the soil. Besides, mulch looks great in the garden.
In a vegetable garden, knowing the source of your mulch is as important as using it. Some mulches contain unacceptable amounts of harmful chemicals. Although there is no such certification as yet for bulk mulch, the non-profit organization, It is recommended that you purchase mulch or soil that has been certified by the Mulch and Soil Council to be free of harmful compositions. Look for a seal on the bag or ask your bulk mulch supplier if they know where their mulch comes from.
Don't rush pest control
In any vegetable garden, pests are usually given at some point. Fortunately, it usually takes nature to take care of the problem because of how few problematic pests there are. After all, only about 3% of all insects in your garden are actually harmful pests. As long as you follow the steps mentioned so far, you have already taken actions to promote healthy plant growth, making it higher-end crops that are better able to stand up to potential pest invasions.
If you must resort to insecticides, apply them responsibly! That means only in the late afternoon or evening and then only when necessary. Never spray pesticides in the morning, when pollinators and beneficial insects are most active. If you use chemicals in the food garden, you’ll likely kill them as well. Instead, focus on growing healthy plants with good soil and sunny conditions, and let nature do its work. Many organic/natural pesticides are non-selective meaning they will kill beneficial insects too.
You should not overfertilize.
When too much fertilizer is put on your plants, especially nitrogen (the first number on the fertilizer package), the result will often be lots of lush green growth at the expense of smaller crops and fewer fruit. Excess fertilizer will also harm your plants and soil. Rather, you should improve your garden's soil by adding organic matter approximately 20 percent of its makeup. By doing so, you will give your plants the nutrients they need and nourish them naturally. In other words, feed the soil and let the soil feed the plants.
What I have suggested above will ensure that you put your garden off to a good start and set up your plot for a productive season. Prepare properly and reap the benefits of a healthier, more productive garden and fresh food that tastes way better than anything you can buy in a store.
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