Grow That Garden
Discover your green thumb this summer and enjoy the fruits of your labor with these simple, effective gardening tips!
You've Got This
There’s nothing quite like garden-fresh fruits and veggies, and growing them yourself is easier than you might think! Not only is the outcome delicious, but the process can be rewarding as well; all you need is a plan.
First, think about the produce you use most frequently. If you’re going to grow fresh fruits and veggies, it should be something you’ll actually use and enjoy!
Once you know what you want to grow, you’re ready to create your space. It can feel daunting at first, but gardening is something you get better at with practice. Here are some basics to get you started.
Make the Bed
Raised garden beds offer immense benefits. For starters, they tend to produce far fewer weeds and are much easier to maintain, making them a great option for beginners.
They also eliminate the need for tilling. Simply fill them with high-quality soil and compost. Replenish each year, as needed.
Because the beds are above ground level, they drain much better. This is a great benefit in itself, but it also means you can plant earlier in the season because the soil dries out and warms more quickly.
Space It Out
It’s important to space out your plants so they have adequate room to grow and don’t have to fight each other for sunlight and nutrients. Proper spacing will also make harvesting your fruits and veggies much easier! Consult the care label for specific information on what each plant needs.
Add Support
Many vining plants, such as tomatoes and cucumbers, require support in order to grow correctly. Without it they can topple over due to their weight. There are quite a few options to keep such plants happy; tomato cages, trellises and wire fencing are all great choices.
Encourage Pollination
Pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, are needed in order for plants to produce their fruits and vegetables. Encourage them to visit your bed by incorporating flowers that attract them. Coneflower, dahlia, marigold and milkweed are all great options.
Easy Quick Pickles
Pickling is a great way to utilize fresh vegetables from your garden. The process is simple and easy, with no canning required. All you’ll need is two wide-mouth pint jars, a pound of garden-fresh veggies, vinegar (such as white or apple cider), salt, sugar and any additional flavorings you like.
