Gardening Basics

When we approach anything new, we start with a basic understanding and build upon it. This month I’d like to go over vegetable gardening basics. The basics for anything is like reading, first we have to recognize the letters, then we have to learn the sounds, then we put the letters and sounds together to read, and as we become more fluent in reading we understand the meaning of the words. I know most of us don’t remember how hard it was to learn to read, but I’m sure you can think of something in your life you were trying to learn and it was so dang hard, but then one day it just made sense! Learning to garden is the same…start with the basics!

Siting

There are three main factors when finding a site for your garden.

1. Sun

2. Water

3. Sight

Maximizing the sun’s light will keep your garden growing healthy and beautiful. 8-10 hours of full sun in the summer is ideal for a garden spot.

Choosing a site close to water access is important. I highly recommend installing irrigation to make your life easier and your plants happier. Consistent water is another key factor in keeping a healthy garden. (See blog from May 22)

Sight…no I didn’t misspell it. Placing your garden within in view of your everyday activities will help to keep you on top of tending it. You know how you place that one kitchen tool in the back of a drawer because it just fits well there and then you never come back to it? Placing a garden within in sight is kind of like that!

Soil

Soil is the basis of life! No seriously, think about it. Name something that doesn’t first originate somehow from soil. I could go into a lot more on how we are destroying our soil, wreaking havoc on ourselves, but I’ll save that for another time.

Starting with a good mix of soil is key to again having a healthy garden. A mix of compost, topsoil, coco coir, and worm castings will get your garden started off right. (I also will add in sand to help with drainage as well.)

Zone

Get in the zone…gardening zone! (Okay that was cheesy but tell me you didn’t giggle just a little?!) What is a zone for gardening? A gardening zone is determined by the USDA and helps gardeners understand what plants work well in their area, as well as time of year these plants will produce best. Check out the USDA website to find your growing zone!

Frost Dates

Last frost date (spring) and first frost date (fall) are important for growing. Frost dates help to determine when to plant, similar to your growing zone. Basil is a good example of a plant that is easily damaged by frost. Early on in my gardening, I went by the big chain stores and bought veggies galore…had no idea about frost dates and big box stores will sell anything if people will buy it. I vividly remember a late frost hitting and the basil plant I had wilting and then turning black. I was so upset! I lost quite a few plants to that mistake and learned that frost dates are important.

These dates also help determine crop starting dates and days-to-harvest as well. For example if I start tomatoes too early, they will likely be effected by frost. The same if I start them too late. I might have fruit, but that fruit might never make it to maturity due to a first frost date.

Learning and using your frost dates is definitely a gardening basic skill!

Mulching (covering)

This is one gardening basic I learned later on in my gardening journey and wow the difference it has made! Mulching around your plants and on any bare soil is so beneficial not only to your plants, but also to the soil. Mulching helps retain moisture in the soil, therefore keeping your plants well-watered/happier longer. It also helps to keep the beneficial microorganisms in the soil from baking in the sun. These microorganisms are important, as they interact with your plants sending out signals and creating a network in and around your plants. (I’ll do another blog on this topic!)

I typically mulch about 3 inches with straw vs wood chips because it seems to break down at a slower rate, as well as not stealing nutrients from the layer of soil where garden veggies grow as it breaks down.

Fertilize

Fertilizing on a regular basis helps to produce healthy vegetables. It gives plants a boost, as well as keeping them strong, in turn deterring pests and disease. I go over fertilizing tips here. (Blog 4/29/22) I typically recommend to clients that they create a fertilizing schedule on their calendar.

These gardening basics will help you as you begin your gardening journey and if you’ve already started, hopefully you can incorporate some of these tips to make your garden even better! If you need help starting any of these tips or need more hands-on help, please reach out! We offer garden coaching consults, as well as seasonal coaching!