January is a time for new beginnings and resolutions, many focusing on self-care. While you may have seen numerous diet and exercise advertisements on TV and social media, there is another form of self-care often overlooked: gardening. Spending time outdoors tending to plants can provide physical activity, stress relief, vitamin D, and a healthier diet without any fees. Starting a garden is simple if you follow these tips.
1. Start small: Begin with a small flower patch, a few rows of vegetables, or some containers. Avoid overwhelming yourself by starting with too much.
2. Make decisions: Research the sunlight, soil, and water needs of your favorite plants to ensure they thrive. Consider growing fruits, vegetables, and herbs that your family enjoys and are expensive at the store.
3. Choose the right site: Ensure your plants receive adequate sunlight, as most need at least partial sun exposure. If your garden lacks sunlight, use containers that can be moved to optimal locations.
4. Give plants space: Follow spacing recommendations on plant tags to prevent overcrowding and promote healthy growth.
5. Watering tips: Plant your garden near a water source to make watering easier. Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses to deliver water directly to the roots. Avoid overhead watering to prevent mold and fungal diseases. Water deeply but less frequently to encourage healthy root growth.
6. Fertilize as needed: Some plants require fertilization, while others may not. Research your plants’ needs and fertilize accordingly.
By following these steps, you can enjoy the benefits of gardening for your physical and mental well-being.
In the world of gardening, understanding the specific needs of your plants is crucial for success. Some plants, like zinnias, have modest nutritional needs, while others such as roses and tomatoes are known as heavier feeders. By familiarizing yourself with the nutritional requirements of your plants and adhering to recommended dosing schedules, you can ensure they thrive.
One effective method to provide essential nutrients to your garden is through layering or “top dressing” the soil with a 2-inch layer of compost. This practice not only enriches the soil but can also reduce or eliminate the need for additional fertilizers. Additionally, applying a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch, such as undyed wood chips, shredded bark, or dried-out grass clippings over the soil and compost can help retain moisture, suppress weed growth, and moderate soil temperatures.
To prevent issues like rot, it is essential to push compost and mulch away from the stems of your plants. Especially for potted plants, which often require more frequent fertilization compared to those in garden beds, following package directions is key to ensuring their health and vitality.
Weed management is another critical aspect of maintaining a healthy garden. Weeds not only compete with plants for water and nutrients but can also block essential sunlight. By promptly removing weeds before they establish strong roots, you can prevent them from overtaking your garden. Remember to pull or dig up weeds by their roots and either compost or dispose of them properly to prevent re-rooting or seed dispersal.
In the journey of gardening, setbacks are inevitable, but it’s all part of the learning process. Embrace the experience of getting your hands dirty, breathing in the fresh air, and soaking up the sun while tending to your garden. Each season brings new lessons, and with time and practice, your gardening skills will grow, allowing you to expand your garden with confidence.
Jessica Damiano, a weekly gardening columnist for the AP and the creator of the award-winning Weekly Dirt Newsletter, provides valuable insights and tips for gardening enthusiasts. To stay updated on the latest gardening trends and advice, sign up for her newsletter for a weekly dose of inspiration.
For more engaging gardening stories and informative articles, visit https://apnews.com/hub/gardening. Explore a world of greenery, discovery, and growth as you embark on your gardening journey.
