gardening 101

It’s that time of year where we are in a mad rush to get all of our spring chores done and finished!  I get a little panicked thinking about all of the work to be done, especially all I have left to do in planting my garden.  Last year I wrote a blog post called Gardening 101  and I shared some basic tips for the first-time gardener.  If you would like to refresh yourself on some of the tips when starting your garden please use the blue link above.

I am sharing a list of new tips and hacks to help you gain more knowledge of gardening.  Some of the things I have learned through the years and others I have picked up from friends.  There are so many to think about but I wanted to give you a few basics.

1.) It’s important to water your garden in the morning.  First, it is easier because it is not so hot outside.  Second, it allows the water to penetrate to the roots.  If you water during the day your garden may burn from the sun.  If you water your garden at night as opposed to the morning the water will sit overnight and this can often times produce mold.  Mold can destroy your garden and all of your hard work!  This is just a general rule of thumb but do your best to stick with it.  I know sometimes it can be hard to get out before the day’s events, but if you commit yourself you will be very happy with your harvest!

2.)  Companion planting can enhance growth and protect plants from pests.  I hate going out to my garden and seeing tons of lettuce but there are holes from the bugs all over the leaves.  Ugh!!!  I don’t like to use any pesticides so this is very helpful!  Some examples of common garden vegetation that works well with others are the following:

Beans grow best with broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, cucumber, peas and strawberries.

Peppers flourish with cucumbers, onions, peas, squash and tomatoes.

Cucumbers thrive with beans, broccoli, cauliflower, corn, lettuce and peppers.

Thyme and Sage are good with most everything except Sage does not mix well with cucumbers.

Tomatoes can be planted near beans, cucumbers, lettuce, onion and peppers, but they should not be planted with broccoli, cauliflower or corn.

3.)  I am sharing a printable for this next tip!  What can you plant to keep the bugs away? I hate going out to my garden and seeing tons of lettuce but there are holes from the bugs all over the leaves.  Ugh!!!  I don’t like to use any pesticides so this is very helpful. There are several things that I like to plant around the garden that keep away pests and bugs.  Rosemary is great and so is Mint.  I put mint in pots because it will grow like crazy and take over your garden.  To see the rest of the list sign up for my newsletter.  For those that already subscribe you will receive the printable this weekend.  It is really interesting how nature can take care of itself!

4.)  Lastly and one of my favorites is using Epson Salt.  It is a natural mineral that helps increase nutrient absorption to produce lush healthy plants.  It can help fruit taste sweeter and will improve the flavor and yield for your potatoes and peppers too. You can sprinkle 1 Tbsp. at the base of the plant or add 1 Tbsp. to a gallon of water for quicker absorption.  If you do this every two weeks you will reap the best results.  I never would have thought that Epson salt would be such a powerhouse for the garden!

This weekend is a big weekend in the north to plant your gardens and get things started!  I am hoping this helps you get started with your garden.  Good luck and happy planting!