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In this economy, 1 out of 3 Americans opts to grow their own food instead of buying expensive organic produce or mystery food that could be drowned in pesticides.
Having your own garden puts you in control of the food you put into your body. You also get to experience the joy of nurturing your plants, creating a new kind of appreciation for food. Who knows, you might even grow to love it so much that you decide to become a homesteader soon!
While starting a garden may seem like a big task, once you learn the gardening basics, it is a simple hobby that anyone can tackle.
Read on to get started on your new outdoor feast.
Choose the Right Plants
First, think about what kind of fruits and vegetables that you want to grow. Some plants are easier to grow than others and require more space.
Starting a garden with your favorite foods is a given, but you also need to read about the yield they produce and prepare to make use of bulk harvests. You can give them to friends and family or freeze some for the offseason.
Timing is Everything
Plants are seasonal and should be put in the soil at the appropriate time. This depends on if you will start with seeds or purchase plants from a nursery.
Seeds need to be started well before the season begins, so it might still be cold outside. Start your seedlings indoors by a window until it gets warm out and they are strong enough to withstand nature’s elements.
Remember that vegetable gardening can start in the spring, summer, and fall. Some plants only have a small window of time that they will thrive, so plan accordingly.
The Best Place for a Garden
Growing vegetables well depends on the location of your garden. You want to get ample sunlight. But, not all plants are equal. You may need to scatter your garden around your yard.
Some plants can grow in pots and planters and others can be placed right in the ground. And if you don’t have much space, try a vertical garden of pots.
Clearing your yard prior to planting helps make extra space. You may need to find a tree service if roots and overgrown trees are in your way.
You can also redesign your backyard with these landscaping and home garden ideas.
Now that you have your plants and a designated home for them, its time to feed them properly.
The best soil makes the best plants. You want to make sure your soil has the right amount of nitrogen, pH level, and phosphorous.
You can create your own organic compost to add more natural plant food to your soil. Or you can purchase quality soil that does not contain filler like pebbles from the store.
Either way, the soil should be broken up and loose before you use it in your garden.
Make Time for Watering
The most important part of how to grow vegetables is the watering schedule. An irrigation system is best since it waters at the same time and the same amount every day.
Drip irrigation is easy to set up and can save you time later on. If you prefer watering your plants, then set a schedule. Water in the morning and afternoon before the sun shines on the plants so water doesn’t evaporate right away.
Gardening Basics Gives You Freedom
Once you have these gardening basics mastered nothing is stopping you from living off of your land.
If you ever wanted to be self-reliant and live off the grid, your own vegetable garden is the first step. Here are more ways to live an off-the-grid lifestyle.