Nowadays, it’s hard to find someone who doesn’t know the benefits of fresh, homegrown produce. And as the weather is warming up around the country, I know many of you have already thought about starting your home garden and have worn out the pages of those beloved seed catalogs.
While gardening can be very rewarding, it can also be difficult to find the time or the means to start one. And if you haven’t done any gardening at all, it can quickly become an expensive endeavor when you start putting together your tools and supplies list.
But have no fear — here’s how to start a home garden reasonably that will ultimately be a great success.
Make a List (and Check it Twice)
First off, you’ll want to decide what you’re going to be growing. Lettuce and tomatoes are usually good bets to start out with and very easy to grow.
Try to keep your list fairly simple and short. If this is your first garden, start out with about one to two plants of each vegetable type. These plants will need more care, maintenance and space as they grow. And the last thing you want to do is let your garden become a jungle within a few weeks time because everything starts producing at the same time!
Some plants will require more care than others depending on where you live. For example, potatoes are notorious for attracting slugs. Be smart about when and where you plant. Research the kinds of conditions your plants will require and when the right season is to plant them. The last thing you want is to waste time and money on a plant that’s poorly accustomed to your climate.
Certain plants will also require specific soil conditions. Make sure you have a clear idea of what a specific plant will need before you begin. And if you want something that’s easy for a beginner to garden, try a potted herb, like basil or cilantro. You can keep it on your window still and it’s easy to water and maintain.
Stock up on the Right Supplies
This is perhaps one of the most important parts. Make sure you stock up on all the gardening supplies you’ll need. For instance, you’ll want a trowel. This is needed for both digging small holes and for weeding. Along with that, you’ll probably want some shears for pruning away browning leaves, a rake, a watering can, and maybe a wheelbarrow. As well as this, you’ll need to consider soil, fertilizer and, of course, the seeds. The last thing you want is to run out last minute for a supply you missed.
Shopping online can actually be a surprisingly good way to obtain some of the supplies you need. It gives you a way to review and compare prices, as well as open you up to a wider selection. While some supplies will need to wait until you can pick them up from a physical store, such as a wheelbarrow, your smaller supplies will be just fine.
By searching for gardening supplies online at sites like the Home Depot, you can usually find pretty good deals. To make it even better, you might want to consider visiting a coupon site like http://www.frugaa.com/. This can be an easy way to connect with your favorite online retailers and find deals on the products you need.
To successfully garden, have an idea for what you’re looking to do and make sure you stock up on the right supplies. Now you’re on your way to setting up your own personal home garden.
Photo credit: מרפסת עתירת אוכל and Morning Sky Greenery (2009-04-15, rest) 58 via photopin (license)
