Time to Plan Your Garden!
Everyday it seems like there is a new produce recall, or a new chemical we are being told is used on store bought produce. What is the number one way to make sure you are eating produce free from pesticides, herbicides, and bacteria? It’s to grow your own!!!! When you grow your own produce, not only do you know exactly what it has been grown in and with, but you get to harvest and eat it at the height of its nutritional value, not days or even weeks after its been picked. I often wander around my garden, grazing on pieces of broccoli or sweet peas. Many days I consume most of my fruits and veggies just out there watering! I will never forget the day that my son was walking around with me snacking, and excitedly proclaimed “Mom, the garden is like being in Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory! Everything is edible!!!!” In that moment, my momma heart was more assured than ever that the energy spent creating this space was worth every second.
Grab a copy of my free
Dream Garden Planner
Would you love to start the garden of your dreams this year? This journal serves as a comprehensive roadmap and journal for planning and documenting a whole year in gardening!
Maybe you’d love to start gardening, but don’t know where to start? That’s ok! Keep reading because I have a new download that will help get you off to a great start! Sign up for a free download.
Maybe you only have a small yard, and aren’t sure if you have room for gardening? You would be surprised how much food can be grown in a very small space. By utilizing companion planting, vertical growing and container gardening, you can grow a bounty of fresh produce almost anywhere! Note in the photo how we made growing boxes lining the top of the garden fence line where we grow pounds of strawberries from May to October! We have also built growing towers where we grow them vertically. I have linked a few options for vertical growing towers and planters here.
If you are anything like me though, you need write down what you have done, or you will never remember it later. I can’t tell you how many times I have planted a seed and not labeled it with a plant tag, telling myself I would remember what it was, and literally had my brain erase itself by the next day lol. At this point I know better and always have these plant tags on hand in bulk. But I also have put a brand new Garden Planner together as a free download for you, to not only write down what you have planted, but also come up with a plan for your garden beds, make to do lists, and keep monthly journal notes all year long! I have also included helpful reference information like first and last frost dates, and a seed spacing and planting guide!! Grab your copy and start planning so you can reap the rewards of freshly grown, nutritious produce right at home!!
The first thing you will need after you get your Dream Garden Planner is to go seed shopping!! I have compiled a list of my go to seeds for you here! Shop Seeds
When you start planning, it can feel very exciting, and you might feel like you want to grow everything at once! But take some time to list the things that you eat a lot of, especially if space is a concern. Growing fruits and vegetables does require time and effort, so you want to use that time and effort to grow something that you and your family will really eat and enjoy.
Be prepared for some trial and error. Some things will grow better in your space than others, everyone’s space is a little different due to soil, sunlight, and weather. But with an endless amount of information available , some determination and effort, you will learn how what you can grow in the space you have available, and I can guarantee you, it will be better tasting than any produce you can buy!! Remember, gardening is as much about the journey as it is about the destination. Each season brings new lessons, and every harvest tells a story of growth, patience, and the wonders of nature. Celebrate even the smallest sprouts, and don’t be discouraged by setbacks—they’re just stepping stones to future successes.
As you immerse yourself in the world of gardening, you’ll find that it’s not just about cultivating plants, but also nurturing a deeper connection with the earth and the food you eat. Whether you’re planting a single pot of herbs on a windowsill or transforming your backyard into a thriving vegetable patch, the act of growing your own food is incredibly rewarding and empowering.
Gardening is truly an art form, one that requires creativity, patience, and a willingness to learn. Each plant has its unique needs, and as a gardener, you become an artist, shaping your landscape with colors, textures, and scents. The vibrant greens of fresh lettuce, the bright yellows of blooming marigolds, and the deep reds of ripe tomatoes create a tapestry that changes with the seasons.
As you start your gardening journey, consider creating a plan. This is where my Garden Planner comes in! What do you want to grow? Are you drawn to vegetables that you can harvest and eat, or do you prefer flowering plants that brighten your space? Maybe you want some fresh herbs that can be dried to use in your cooking throughout the year? Maybe a mix of all of these is what you envision. Take a moment to research which plants thrive in your region and during which seasons. Understanding your local climate, soil types, and the amount of sunlight your garden will receive is crucial in selecting the right plants for your space.
Once you have a plan, it’s time to prepare your garden. This could mean clearing a patch of land, turning over soil, or even building raised beds if you prefer a more structured approach. The tactile experience of working the soil is one of the most satisfying parts of gardening. As you dig, you’ll feel the earth beneath your hands, and with every shovel of dirt, you’re laying the groundwork for new life.
Consider enriching your soil with compost or organic fertilizers. Not only does this provide essential nutrients for your plants, but it also helps improve the structure of the soil, promoting better drainage and aeration. Healthy soil is the foundation of a successful garden, and nurturing it will pay dividends in the form of vibrant, thriving plants.
Once your garden is ready, it’s time to plant. As you sow your seeds or transplant young seedlings, take a moment to appreciate the life you’re bringing into the world. Each seed is a promise of what’s to come, a tiny package of potential waiting to burst forth. Be mindful of the spacing and depth of your planting; each plant requires room to grow, and proper planting techniques will set them on the right path.
As your plants begin to grow, you’ll find that gardening is a lesson in patience. Nature has its own timeline, and while you may eagerly anticipate the first sprouts, remember that growth takes time. Water your plants regularly, but also learn to observe their needs. Too much water can be just as detrimental as too little. Pay attention to the signs your plants provide. Their leaves may droop or turn yellow if they’re thirsty, while wilting may indicate overwatering.
Throughout the growing season, you’ll encounter challenges. Pests may invade your plants, and diseases can spread. Instead of viewing these as setbacks, see them as opportunities to learn. Research natural pest control methods, such as companion planting or introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs. Consider organic remedies and embrace the balance of nature. Each challenge you overcome will add to your gardening experience, making you a more skilled and knowledgeable gardener.
Harvest time is perhaps the most rewarding part of gardening. Watching your hard work come to fruition is a joy unlike any other. Whether you’re picking your first ripe tomato or cutting fresh herbs for a meal, the satisfaction of eating food you’ve grown yourself is unparalleled. Share your bounty with friends and family, and take pride in the effort it took to get there. This is the true essence of gardening: connection, nourishment, and celebration.
As you cultivate your garden, remember that it’s not just about the plants. Gardening can also be a meditative practice, allowing you to connect with nature and find peace in the process. The rhythmic motions of planting, watering, and weeding can become a form of mindfulness, a way to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Spend quiet moments in your garden, observing the bees buzzing around the flowers or the gentle sway of the leaves in the breeze. This connection to nature can be rejuvenating and grounding.
Consider incorporating different types of plants to create a diverse and vibrant garden. Companion planting, for example, can be beneficial for both aesthetics and plant health. Certain plants, when grown together, can enhance each other’s growth and deter pests. For instance, basil planted alongside tomatoes can improve their flavor and help repel unwanted insects, and garlic grown alongside broccoli can help deter aphids! Experimenting with different combinations can lead to exciting discoveries and a more resilient garden. At the same time make sure to keep in mind that some plants can hinder the growth of others, so you can make sure not to plant those in close proximity. For instance onions can hinder the growth of asparagus and beans. All the more reason to track and plan with my garden planner!
Seasonal changes will bring new opportunities and challenges. As summer temperatures rise, you may need to adjust your watering schedule or provide shade for delicate seedlings. In autumn, it’s time to prepare for cooler weather and start thinking about winter crops or cover crops that will enrich the soil for the next growing season. Embrace the cyclical nature of gardening; each season has its own beauty and purpose.
Don’t forget to document your gardening journey. My Garden planner has monthly journal notes where you can track what you planted, when you planted it, and where you planted it, along with a notes section to track how it went or if there are changes you’d like to make. Take photos of your progress as well, and use them to note any lessons learned along the way. This record will not only provide valuable insights for future gardening endeavors but also serve as a cherished reminder of your experiences and growth as a gardener. As a young adult, I would never have guessed how many photos of fruits and vegetables I’d have on my phone!
Engaging with your local gardening community can also enhance your experience. Join a gardening club, attend workshops, or even participate in community gardening projects. Sharing tips, seeds, and experiences with fellow gardeners can foster a sense of belonging and inspire new ideas. You might discover that others face similar challenges, and together you can brainstorm solutions and celebrate successes.
Remember that gardening is a lifelong journey. Each year will bring different challenges and rewards, and there’s always something new to learn. Embrace the joy of experimentation; not every plant will thrive, and that’s okay. Gardening is about resilience, creativity, and adaptability.
In conclusion, gardening is a beautiful, transformative journey that goes far beyond simply growing plants. It’s an opportunity to connect with nature, cultivate patience, and reap the rewards of your hard work. As you step into your garden, remember to cherish each moment—the lessons, the growth, and the joy of nurturing life.
So, put on your gardening gloves, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to embark on this green adventure. Happy gardening, and may your efforts yield a bountiful harvest that fills your table and your heart with joy!
