A Beginner’s Guide to Home Gardening by Chafin Communities

Whether you want a flower garden to enhance the beauty of your home or a vegetable garden to grow your food, spring is the opportune time to get started. Gardening is such a rewarding hobby. Not only will you be able to enjoy the beauty of your garden, but you’ll also be able to harvest your fresh produce. You may not have a green thumb quite yet, but worst case scenario you enjoy a little extra time in the sunshine and fresh air, so let’s get started! 

Picking the Spot 

Contrary to popular belief, you do not need a big plot of land to have a viable garden. You can start a garden on a windowsill or patio if you want to. The important thing is that the plants have access to the sun. The ideal location for your garden is an area that receives abundant sunshine because most plants flourish with a full day of sunlight. However, if you do not get enough sunlight on your property, some plants do well in the shade, including herbs and lettuce. Also, consider water accessibility. You do not want to plant your garden where water may accumulate and flood the plants after a storm, but access to water is important. 

Settle on a Garden-Type 

You have the option to grow plants in a raised bed garden or an in-ground garden. Raised bed gardening is when you are planting above the original soil in an enclosed area. Although raised bed gardens may require more upfront, they may be more manageable and plentiful in the long run. Raised beds are especially helpful in areas where the soil cannot support plants on its own. As for in-ground gardening, you can skip a few extra purchases. In Georgia, the soil is generally supportive of growth, so there is no pressure to buy it. With these gardens, you plant right into the ground. There are pros and cons to both options, so choose what feels best for you. 

Ground Preparation 

Healthy soil nurtures healthy plants. Before diving into planting it is important to prepare the ground for new life. Start by watering the area a couple of days before digging. Then, dig about 10 inches deep across the plot of land ensuring you remove any weeds, rocks, or sticks in the way. Next, mix in fertilizer with the topsoil. There are various types of fertilizers available, from store bought options to compost and manure. Tilling the soil will help the plants reach their full potential by incorporating the fertilizer into the soil, discouraging weed growth, and improving soil moisture. Just make sure the land is level before finishing and water the soil again. It is also recommended to wait a few days before planting to allow the soil to settle. 

Choosing the Plants 

Now that everything is prepped and ready, the fun part begins. When it comes to choosing what to plant it is helpful to consider what grows best at this time of year and personal preference. It would be discouraging to try to plant something in the wrong season even if you really want to grow it because it could result in a lot of extra work without much success. On the flip side, you should not necessarily plant something just because it will grow well. If you are planting vegetables that you do not care for or want to eat, it will not be as exciting and you may lose interest in the plant. Thankfully the spring season offers many great options. April is great for growing beans, cucumbers, peppers, watermelon, and more. When May comes along you can replant the same fruits and veggies from April. As for flowers, Sunflowers, Baby’s Breath, Begonia, Christmas Rose, and Globe Amaranth will make beautiful additions to your home garden. 

Planting Method

Once you have made your selections, it is time to decide how you want to start the growth of your plants. You can either plant the seeds directly or use transplants. Transplants start their growth in trays or another controlled environment, and can be transferred to the ground when they are ready to thrive in the garden. You can either grow your own transplants or get ahead of the curve by buying them ready to go from a nursery. Some crops like peppers for example, may be easier to grow from a transplant, especially as a beginner. On the other hand, beans, as we discussed, tend to do just fine when planted directly into the soil because they are fast growers. Simply follow the instructions on your seed packets and watch them sprout! Not to mention, direct seeding is more cost-effective than buying transplants. 

Avoiding Pests 

Pests can be your biggest enemy when it comes to the health of your garden. While there are many pesticides on the market, the potential threat that they pose to your pets, family, and the environment is a significant downside. Fortunately, experienced gardeners have developed natural insecticides to remedy the problem. Some swear by using an oil spray, a concoction made up of one cup of vegetable oil and 1 teaspoon of mild liquid soap. Garlic spray, Diatomaceous Earth, and chile pepper spray are more mixtures that may be worth a shot. Before applying any bug repellent on the garden, it may be wise to conduct a patch test on a small area and watch for adverse reactions. This way, if any negative effects occur, you are not risking the entire plant. 

Home Gardening Maintenance 

Once you successfully establish your garden you will want to keep it as vibrant as ever, so none of your hard work goes unseen. Deadheading is a maintenance practice that helps uphold the garden’s beauty. By removing any dead leaves or flowers, you can increase the overall aesthetic appeal and lifespan of the plants. Also, mulching your garden can help prevent weeds and conserve water. That being said, even if the garden is outdoors, remember to water it regularly. It is important to keep the soil moist, and there may not be enough rain to sustain the life of your plants. 

At the end of the day all your garden needs is a little extra love and attention. Imagine how accomplished you will feel after eating your first homegrown tomato, or how proud you will feel picking a flower that you nurtured from the ground up. I hope you get to experience watching your garden grow into something truly amazing. Happy gardening!