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How Does Your Garden Grow...?
from: D.G. ArmstrongThe thing to remember while gardening is to start small.
A small plant bed, about 25 or 30 feet square is perfect, just
enough room for about 30 plants.
This will give you a chance to try out your green thumb and if
you find that you enjoy your garden you can always expand and
increase your plantings.
The next thing you will want to do is choose a site.
Gardening must be done in an area that gets at least six hours
of sunlight.
Try and stay away from large trees that will take your plants
water and nutrients, and at least three feet from any fences or
buildings.
In hot climates, it's a good idea to choose a place that will
have shade for a part of the intense afternoon sun.
It is possible to have a healthy garden with only ten to twelve
hours of sunlight, but the type of plants must be adaptable.
While soil can always be improved, a site with good soil is a
plus.
Avoid areas that have rocky soil, steep slopes, or areas where
water stands.
Now comes the fun part: start digging. Gardening is not a clean
hobby; you're going to have to get some dirt under your nails.
First remove any rocks, debris, grass and weeds and then dig the
spot up about one foot deep.
Level up the dirt and add compost or minerals if the needed. I
f your soil is too acidic, add lime; if it is too sandy, add
peat moss.
Plants will thrive in neutral to acidic soil with a little added
fertilizer.
When buying seeds, make sure you plant them according to the
directions.
If picking plants, choose ones with green, healthy looking
leaves and stems and healthy roots.
Put the smaller plants towards the front of the bed and larger
ones in the back. The key to a successful beginning in gardening
is planting at the right time.
Make sure and wait until the frosts are over before planting.
If you are planting seeds the package will usually tell you
exactly when you can plant them to achieve maximum growth.
Once you have started and gotten into gardening, making sure
your plants receive enough water is essential to their growth.
Hand watering works well if you only have a few plants. Other
options include sprinklers or sprinkler hoses.
Watering is most effective during the cooler parts of the day.
The type of plant will depend on how much water is needed, but
most require about an inch per week.
During the hottest periods plants will need watering about three
times per week.
things to add to a garden is mulch or compost. Just a few inches
of organic mulch will improve fertility and help the soil hold
moisture. Wood chips, grass clippings, leaves, manure, and pine
needles are all things that can be used as mulch.
About the author:
If you do decide to try gardening and find you don't have as
green a thumb as you'd like, don't get discouraged.
Here for the latest up to date information on gardening,
absolutely free of charge. Once you've started and gotten into
gardening, you'll be amazed at the rewards and sense of
accomplishment you are sure to feel.
D.G. Armstrong writes
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