Site Selection
After you’re made any recommended enhancements such as adding minerals or
Compost, begin turning the soil over, removing rocks, and plant debris. Visit your local nursery specialist and ask whether the plants you’d like to grow are generally successful given your soil and sun conditions. Apply a slow release fertilizer or suggested by your garden center or compost.
After you’ve selected a garden site, evaluate its light and drainage conditions. Plants need adequate sunlight (aim for at least 5 hours of direct sun daily) and drainage to aid them in their ongoing battle with insects and disease. Your garden can be as small or large as you desire but for the beginner, start with a garden that is 3 x 6 feet in size. Make a bed of 3 rolls lengthwise for planting. Now you can begin to think seriously about the kind of vegetables or fruits you’ll grow in your readied garden site.
Selection of Plants
Plants vary in light and moisture requirements. After you’ve selected a garden site, evaluate its light and drainage conditions. Before shopping for plants or seeds, jot them down plant names and the size of your garden space. This will help determine how many plants to purchase based upon their need for room to grow. Some of the easiest foods to grow are tomatoes, squash, zucchini, strawberries, and salad mixes. Herbs are also extremely hardy and can produce throughout the summer and even early fall season.
If seeds are your preference, remember they take more time and the quality of the seed is important. As a beginner gardener, opt for young plants (seedlings) that have a head start of growth. Don’t buy plants with wilting leaves or yellowing foliage. Brown or curled leaves are often signs of careless or inadequate watering or possible pest or disease problems. Look for bright green, robust seedlings. There are many questions you should ask regarding plant selection, care, and feeding. Don’t be afraid to ask questions of your nursery or garden center staff. Go there to gain knowledge.
