Do you want to enjoy vegetables, greens and fruits grown at home and with a unique flavor? Taking care of a garden is not only a way to get healthier food, It is also a great hobby that helps us forget about stress. So we are going to explain the steps to start a garden.
Believe it or not, you don't need to have a huge plot to start growing. Even on a small balcony you can create an urban garden. The key is knowing what you need.
Garden planning
Before running to the nursery to buy substrate and seeds, you have to carefully plan what your garden will be.. It is essential that you carefully measure the space you have available and that you can dedicate to cultivating.
If you have a garden, make sure to delimit an area of the plot that will only be used for the garden area. In order to prevent ornamental plants from ending up occupying this space.
If you have a garden or terrace, you can create your own garden using pots. In this case, Don't limit yourself to the space on the floor, because you can also take advantage of the walls and the railing to install pots (well secured).
With vertical garden systems, you can encourage yourself to have a small garden even inside your home. For example, You could plant your own aromatic herbs in the kitchen, or plant some garlic.
In this planning phase, Also pay attention to the number of hours of sunlight that the space in which you want to install the garden receives. To achieve good results, it is recommended that the area receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.
Selection of crops, essential in the steps to start a garden
Now that you know the space you have available and how you can distribute it, it's time to start thinking about what you are going to plant. Surely you have basic foods in mind such as tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, etc.
To avoid later finding that your vegetables are not growing as they should, do some research first. Know which climate resistance zone you are in, and choose varieties that can grow well in it.
You may be excited to make a salad with homegrown tomatoes, but If this crop does not grow in your area, you will never obtain good results. To avoid frustration, stick to varieties that you know can grow well where you live.
On the other hand, when choosing crops, Always choose those that are most suitable for the season in which you want to grow. You already know that there are plants that thrive in warm times and others that resist the cold better, so make a good choice.
Soil preparation
The next step to start a garden is to check the soil that you are going to use for planting. You have to make sure it has enough nutrients and the right pH for crops.
The good thing is that you can adjust the conditions of the substrate to the needs of the vegetables you are going to plant. To enrich it, You can add compost or organic fertilizer. This way you ensure that your plants will have all the nutrients you need available.
If you dare, you can even make your own compost at home. This is one ecological alternative that allows you to better manage waste that are generated in your home.
Planting and transplanting
When you have all this ready, it is finally time to start planting. If you have chosen to use seeds, follow the instructions that will come on the package. Given that some can be located directly on the ground, but others need to be germinated before planting.
If you have chosen seedlings, you have to transplant them as carefully as possible. TKeep in mind that you are dealing with plants that are still very young and weak, and could break if there is improper handling.
After planting or transplanting, be sure to provide a good amount of water to the garden. This isIt's the best way to get the plants to grow and the seeds to germinate. But be careful, never get to the point of flooding, or your plants could rot.
Irrigation and maintenance
Although each plant is different, most varieties prefer to always have slightly moist soil. That's why, It is important that you schedule a regular watering schedule. If you don't want to forget, you can opt for a drip irrigation system, which can even be installed in pots.
Additionally, regularly monitor the soil to eliminate weeds. These, in addition to being very unsightly, They may be absorbing the nutrients their crops need, so it is better to remove them as soon as you see them appear.
As far as fertilization is concerned, you can apply fertilizer according to the needs of each plant. Nevertheless, if the substrate is sufficiently enriched with organic matter, fertilizer is not really necessary.
Pest and disease control: steps to start a garden of special importance
Starting a garden and bringing crops to fruition is a process that requires constant attention on your part. If you just plant some seeds and forget about them, You probably won't reap anything.
Monitor your garden regularly and check the plants as they grow, in order to detect symptoms of diseases or pests in time. If you have to take measures against insects or a disease, it is better to use natural means.
A good way to keep your garden healthy is to rotate crops. Once you harvest, Aerate the soil well and plant different varieties than those you have grown previously.
Harvest and enjoy
You've done the hard work, and now you can finally enjoy your reward. Pick crops when they are mature enough. If you harvest at the optimal time, your vegetables will have better quality and flavor.
So far the steps to start a garden, Now you just have to start planning and get to work. In a few months, you will be savoring the results of your first harvest.