Spring is fast approaching here in Southern Maryland, and what better way to take advantage of the warmer weather than embarking on a new hobby. Gardening is a terrific option — it gets you outside, burns up calories, and if you plant vegetables and herbs, produces results that will also save you money. Not sure where to start? Not a problem, here are some ideas to help:

Where Should it Go?

Whether you choose to plant in the ground or build raised beds, the location is crucial for a successful crop. Most vegetables and herbs need at least five to six hours of sunlight each day. Choose a sunny spot and map out the amount of space you need to accommodate the plants you wish to grow. Keep in mind that each plant needs a decent amount of space in order to flourish and that some plants will grow much taller than others creating shade as they grow. If, for example, you want to plant tomatoes, each plant requires a two foot area in order to grow and produce successfully. Your garden will also require watering each day, so consider your water source and the access to it.

Dirt Matters

They say that you can tell a really good soil when earthworms are in abundance. This is actually true, as a good soil mixture contains organic soil, fertilizer, and organic matter such as composted leaves, grass clippings, or shredded bark. The organic matter is important because it keeps the soil from being too sandy or too compacted. You’ll know that your mixture is healthy if it successfully binds together but can also crumble apart.

Starters or Seeds?

Now that your soil is ready to go, it’s time to plant. The question is: should you plant seeds or transplant a starter? The answer is that it’s entirely up to you. There are some pros and cons to both. Starting from seed is definitely beneficial economically, as you can purchase multiple seed packets for the cost of one plant, or you can save the seeds from your fruits and vegetables and plant those. There’s something rewarding about managing to grow a plant from seed as well.  With all of that said, starting your garden from seed is much more time consuming, and seeds need to be cultivated each day. Transplants are heartier and ready to go in the ground once you get them home, which also means they will produce faster. You may want to use transplants if you’re getting started late in the growing season. You can always grow your seeds indoors during the winter months so they’re ready to plant the following spring.

Mulch Is Important

Mulch is a garden and a gardener’s best friend. Mulch has many benefits – not only does it look beautifully finished, it also retains moisture to the soil, breaks down over time which contributes to the health of the soil, helps to control weeds, and protects from erosion. Mulch can be purchased at any garden center, or you can make your own using hardwood chips, pine straw, pine needles, grass clippings, or crushed leaves. Mulches made from this type of material break down over time and can be refreshed with a top layer every couple of years.

Water

There are a few choices when it comes to watering your garden – watering by hand, drip systems and irrigation hoses, or a sprinkler system. Plants do best when they’re watered in the early morning or the evening, which is when it’s cool enough for the water to sink in and reach the roots prior to it evaporating from the sun. You want to avoid showering the leaves and flowers of the plant, instead focusing the flow to the base of the plant. This is why watering by hand or drip systems tend to work best when tending to your garden, as the water can be controlled and focused in the areas it is needed.

 

 

Hopefully these ideas give you what you need to get started with your new vegetable garden.

If you’d like to talk more about gardening, or if there’s something else I can be of assistance with, please reach out. I’m always happy to help.