Gardening is a therapy, an art, and a journey of patience and creativity. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, setting up your garden over the weekend can be both exciting and rewarding. This blog post walks you through the key tasks to complete before your gardening adventure begins.
1. Preparing the Soil
Before you can plant anything, it’s essential to prepare your soil. Start by loosening and turning it gently to improve drainage and make it easier for roots to grow. If you’re planting vegetables, add a layer of organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil. This will help the plants grow healthily in the long run.
For trees and bushes, prepare the soil by raking around the base of the plant to create a loose, well-draining bed. Watering the area before planting can help loosen any remaining compacted soil.
2. Planting Vegetables
My garden has a variety of vegetables ready to grow: jalapeños, Anaheim chili, banana chili, green pepper, purple pepper, cucumber, peas, cantaloupe, broccoli, and tomatoes. These are all annuals, meaning they’ll come up every year if you water them properly.
- Jalapeños: These are relatively small and mature quickly. Plant them in rows 12 inches apart. Jalapeños can be ready to pick in about six weeks.
- Chili Peppers: Anaheim chilis grow into clusters, so plant them close together for easier harvesting. Green peppers can be harvested at different stages depending on your preference.
- Cucumber: These are annuals that require full sun and occasional support stakes if they get too tall.
- Tomatoes: Early-to-maturing tomatoes like cherry or vine-structured types will thrive in well-watered soil.
Watering vegetables with rainwater is ideal, but a rain shower before planting can loosen the soil. After planting, water deeply to establish root systems.
3. Planting Trees and Bushes
I’v planted my first tree— peach (Princess Peach)! Trees are great additions to any garden because they provide shade, improve air quality, and enhance the beauty of your landscape. Here’s how to ensure their healthy growth:
- Space: Make sure each tree has at least 20 feet of clear space around it from other trees.
- Soil Preparation: When planting a new tree, dig half a foot deep and level the area before adding compost or peat moss on top for better drainage.
For my cherry tree, I will follow the same steps. I also have a blue spruce, which is a conifer, and I have the perfect spot for it.
Trees are low maintenance once they’re established, but give them time to grow and develop strong roots before expecting fruit or nuts.
4. Final Touches
I didn’t forget the little details that make a garden complete:
- Raspberries and Blueberries: These bushes grow quickly, but they need consistent watering for their first year. Prune them back in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth.
- Lavender: This aromatic plant not only adds beauty but also has health benefits like reducing stress.
Tips for a Happy Garden
- Water Wisely: Only water deeply after planting, and avoid overwatering.
- Avoid Pests: Plant flowers that attract beneficial insects to help control pests. For example, marigolds and petunias are great pollinator-friendly plants.
- ** Mulching**: If you have space, mulch around your young trees and shrubs to retain moisture in the soil and deter weeds.
What’s Next?
Now it’s time to water everything deeply after planting. Once the soil is well-watered, leave it for a day before replanting any bulbs or transplants. Patience is key in gardening—watch as your plants grow and thrive this season.
Remember, gardening is about enjoying the process and the results. So take your time, relax, and enjoy the beauty and bounty of your garden!