Planning and managing a small garden is a rewarding hobby. It provides an opportunity to unplug and reconnect with nature while getting some low-impact exercise. Planting vegetables helps offset the ever-growing grocery bills while growing flowers can help our pollinator friends and contribute to a healthier environment.
Yet, there’s a big difference between surviving and thriving. This post will cover some practical, beginner-friendly tips for helping your small garden thrive this growing season.
Choose the Right Plants
Planning out your garden and choosing the right plants is a lot of fun. However, while growing birthday flowers bursting with color or an eye-catching bean pole teepee is creative and entertaining, you must be intentional if you want your garden to thrive.
Some plants don’t grow well together. For example, if you have plants that love a good soaking, like peppers, you shouldn’t plant them near drought-tolerant plants, such as Swiss chard.
Similarly, planting tall, sun-loving plants near short sun-loving plants can create a shady patch that leaves the smaller plants stunted.
Conversely, some companion plants grow incredibly well together. Marigolds repel pests that typically attack lettuce, and petunias do the same for peppers. Don’t overlook the value of having flowers and vegetables in the same plot!
Finally, choose plants that are indigenous to your area and cultivation zone. Planting foreign plants can negatively impact the ecosystem and often require additional resources for care.
Start with Healthy Soil
Just like we need a balanced diet to stay healthy, plants require essential nutrients from the soil to flourish.
The soil is a lifeline, providing plants with water, air, and the necessary elements to support their growth. So, how can you ensure your soil is up to par? It all begins with testing its pH and nutrient levels.
Test your garden plot’s pH levels to determine if your soil is acidic or alkaline, as this factor affects nutrient availability. You can get a soil testing kit from your local garden center or order one online.
You can also use the old farming trick of mixing a bowl of soil with baking soda and water and another bowl with water and vinegar. If the bowl with baking soda fizzes, the soil is acidic. If the bowl with vinegar fizzes, the soil is alkaline. No reaction indicates neutral soil.
Once you have the results, you can take action! You can amend your soil with organic matter like compost or manure if it needs a nutrient boost. These additions contribute valuable nutrients and improve soil structure. Using fertilizers or other soil amendments tailored to your plant’s needs can help optimize its growth potential.
Water Wisely
Determining your garden’s water needs doesn’t have to feel like cracking a secret code. First, take a good look at your plants. Are their leaves drooping or turning yellow, or have you experienced a rainless week? In that case, your plants will definitely need a drink.
Creating a watering schedule or using an irrigation system can be your garden’s best friend. You can even use an app like Garden Manager: Plant Alarm to remind you when to water your plants and to help you avoid overwatering; it’s like having a personal gardening assistant.
One of the best things you can do for your garden and the environment is rainwater harvesting. Take advantage of those dreary days by setting out collection containers or placing a barrel under your downspout. Use this water to keep your garden fresh on hot days without increasing your consumption habits.
Rainwater harvesting also helps you avoid causing damage with chemically-treated water from your taps or hose. Consider covering open vessels with a screen to prevent bug infestations — mosquitos love standing water.
Provide Adequate Sunlight
Providing your plants with the right amount of sunlight is essential for a happy, thriving garden. Place your garden in an East or South-facing area for plants that need a lot of sunlight.
It’s important to note that the saying is true: too much of a good thing isn’t a good thing at all. Several plants like partial sunlight and struggle after prolonged exposure to the afternoon sun. Place these plants in a shaded area, or strategically place taller, sun-loving plants near them to provide shade as they grow.
If your options for finding a sunny spot are limited (patio gardeners often have this issue), use reflective surfaces to redirect light into your plot.
Garden mirrors are effective when used safely. Place them in an area that reflects light into your garden without focusing the sun on dry patches of grass to avoid fire hazards. Avoid overly reflective, transparent surfaces if possible, as these can be confusing for birds.
Water features are another excellent option for reflecting light. Fountains or ponds can help brighten a shady garden and give the plants more sun exposure to promote growth.
You can address the sources of shade by pruning back trees or hedges to let more light shine through.
Control Pests and Diseases
Believe it or not, having pests and critters visit your garden is a good thing. If the pests aren’t attacking your plants, the plants you’ve chosen are harmful to the local ecosystem.
That being said, pests can be a gardener’s nightmare. Companion planting is a practical, natural way to deter pests. Certain species of tulips are deer and rabbit deterrents. Many organic gardeners will also use vegetable oil or cayenne pepper as a natural pest deterrent.
Proactive weeding and removal of debris will also help limit plant-harming insects from entering your garden. When all else fails, you can also give caterpillars and their partners in crime a quick blast with the hose.
Constant vigilance is a must when keeping your small garden pest-free. Look at your plants every few days, removing rotted or damaged produce as needed.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, with some love and attention, your small garden can become a thriving oasis of green goodness. Start by nourishing your soil, choosing the right plants, and providing them with adequate sunlight and water. Monitor your garden and ward off pests with clever companion plantings and natural deterrents.
The secret to success lies in observing your garden’s needs and adjusting your care accordingly. So go ahead, get your hands dirty, and watch your small garden flourish.
Photo Credit
Photo by Akil Mazumder on Pexels
Guest Author Bio
Kyla Stewart
Kyla is a former content writer, who decided to start her own blogging site and become a digital nomad. She managed to create a platform where all her previous clients are gathered – so they can merge and learn from each other! Her main motto is “sharing is caring” and her goal is to see the world from different perspectives!
Website: The Blog Frog
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