When it comes to taste, texture, and freshness, homegrown surpasses the store-bought. Think for a few moments about what you need the most to survive in the modern world. You might have got your head wrapped around using Technology. But to me, the answer is the kitchen garden. But why? There are several reasons to agree. Home produce is rich in original flavor, fresh, nutritious, chemical-free, and a practical method of cutting down your grocery bills. Above all, home gardening connects you with Mother Nature. Above all, you do need to be an expert in growing vegetables. Everybody can do it. For newbies, here are some entry-level tips to grow vegetables at home.
1. Location and Space Management
Choice of suitable location is crucial. An ideal gardening site should receive optimal sunlight, drain well, and with nutrient-rich soil. Moreover, it should neither be too windy nor vulnerable to other harsh weather conditions. Plot size is the second most significant aspect of the location. Sometimes beginners, out of excitement, plant too much stuff that later becomes difficult to handle. A rule of thumb is; to start with less. Here are a few planting plans for a great start.
10 by 10 Feet Area: Choose 3 to 5 vegetables and get 3 to 5 plants of each variety.
12 by 24 Feet Area: If you want to be an audacious gardener, you can plant 8 to 10 vegetable varieties in that much space depending on your needs.
Raised Garden Beds: 4 by 4 and 4 by 8 are easy-to-manage sizes for beginners.
Whatever the plot size is, leave enough room for paths allowing you to access each plant easily without stepping on the plant vicinity.
2. Soil Quality
Soil quality is another factor for getting an affluent yield. An ideal soil includes microorganisms, organic matter, and composts of decaying plant parts and food wastes. Your goal is to get soil that is neither too sandy nor too tight. How to check whether the soil is of the right kind? Right soil binds on squeezing in hand but falls apart with a slight disturbance.
3. Water Moderately
Enthusiast new gardeners might overdo watering. It debilitates plant growth. Fertile soil tends to retain water for a couple of days. A soggy ground is a nursery for diseases. An inch of water per week through rainfall or irrigation is sufficient for most veggies. Also, use soaker hoses or drip lines instead of throwing heavy water showers. These tools adequately hydrate the plant parts from the inside out.
4. No Panicking For Pest Control
The rule of moderation holds weight for using pesticides as well. If you have considered other precautions, you can rely on natural mechanisms for dealing with the pest problem. Every insect is not an enemy. A vegetable garden may require using pesticides at some point. Nature also knows how to take care. If you feel like using pesticides, carefully follow the protocol. The perfect time for applying pesticides is late afternoon or evening. On the contrary, if you do it early in the morning, you might interfere with the job of pollinators and beneficial insects.
5. Fertilizer Overuse
Nitrogen is the key ingredient in fertilizers. The excessive use of fertilizers is bad for plants and the richness of the soil. It might yield a lush green plantation but with insufficient produce. Alternatively, incorporating organic compost into the soil is a safe practice to get a prosperous yield.
6. Beginner-Friendly Veggies
Below is the list of easy vegetables to grow before stepping up to the experimental ones. However, be mindful of the weather conditions of your region.
Peas
Spinach
Tomatoes
Peppers
Radish
Lettuce
Cilantro
Mint
Green beans
Zucchini
Carrots
Conclusion
Home gardening may seem daunting to beginners. But the benefits and the satisfaction you experience outweigh the hassle. Even the hassle turns into pleasure once you familiarize yourself with the process.
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