What, do you suppose, is America's number one hobby? Answer: Gardening!
But the word "gardening" can span a wide description covering anything from simple potted flowers on your deck to a vegetable garden taking up half your backyard – and everything in between.
As the seasons change and the weather turns warmer, more and more people are thinking about getting out in their yards and starting a vegetable garden. If, for the first time, you're planting cucumbers, carrots, tomatoes, and the like, you could probably use a few tips as to how to plan a successful garden. You'll want to know about preparing your garden, planting your seeds or seedlings, and maintaining your garden successfully.
Be One with Nature
Starting a home vegetable garden is a great way to commune with nature and save money at the same time. Imagine this: Over the season, you may be able to provide your home with approximately ten pounds of tomatoes. That's just from one plant! These plants are extremely affordable as seedlings or as seeds. Let's say you spend 3 to 5 dollars on your plants or seeds. That ten pounds of tomatoes could cost $20 or more. Look at all the money you saved.
What's more, the quality of your homegrown vegetables will likely exceed that of store-bought produce. Additionally, you know how that plant has been raised, cultivated, fertilized, etc. There is no guesswork.
While getting close to nature, you're going to be getting a little bit of exercise, too. That is never a bad thing. Let's look at some tips as to how to take care of your garden.
Don't Get Carried Away, At First
Start with a small garden area, or a few pots, if you're just a beginner. Rather than becoming frustrated with a large garden and the care it takes, you'll be thrilled by what you can produce in a smaller setting. This will give you an idea of the weeding, watering, planting, harvesting, etc. so that, if you choose, next year you can spread out.
Love What You Grow – Grow What You Love
Wondering what vegetable garden varieties to plant? This one is easy! What do you like to eat? What about your neighbors? Plant, grow, and harvest what you like best.
Producing Vegetables
How many vegetables you want to produce can depend on a number of things: Will you be able to give excess produce to your neighbors? Are you planning on canning, freezing, etc.? Before you start putting seeds or seedlings into the ground, think realistically. Many beginning gardeners end up planting far too much. Remember, throughout the season, plants like squash, peppers, tomatoes, and more keep producing. On the other hand, you only harvest corn, radishes, carrots, etc., once. After that, replanting is needed.
Where to Plant
Whether you are clearing a patch in your yard or setting up some pots on your back deck, consider whether or not the vegetables you want to grow require full sun, partial sun, or a shaded area. Also research how much water your plants will need. Consider fertilizer or compost before planting and find out whether or not continuous fertilization will be required.
Also familiarize yourself with diseases and insects that plague each plant, and how to avoid them. All of this is possible with a little bit of Googling.
Where to Shop for Gardening Supplies
At DIY Tool Supply, we offer a wide range of gardening supplies. We carry everything from seeds to pots to gardening tools, and more. We even have kneeling pads and utility gloves for the protection of our gardeners. Everything we stock is at competitive prices and your order always ships free of charge. While you're looking around for your new gardening supplies, why not sign up for a free account? We'd like to be your one-stop shop for all the gardening and yard supplies you'll need – but we carry numerous other selections as well. Check us out!