Gardening Tips Beginners to Advanced

Plants can be finicky creatures with various sensitivities, temperaments, and growth cycles. For this reason, gardening can be overwhelming for even the most advanced gardeners. Depending on what type of plant or vegetable you grow, the task can be daunting. The key to gardening success is planning early! In this article, Yescomusa will be discussing the best way to start your garden, regardless of if it is indoor or outdoor. 

Start with Research

Just because a plant, vegetable, or flower is beautiful and may look like the perfect addition to your garden doesn’t mean that it is. Before you purchase any plant, make sure that you research the conditions that the plant thrives in. Regardless of how great you care for your plant, if the environment does not support growth for that particular plant, you are just wasting your time. 

Once all of your plants are chosen, sketch out your garden before you start planting. Section plants with similar growing needs together. Plant taller plants toward the back of your garden so that they do not overshadow or block the sun from the shorter shrubs. 

The time of year and when you start planting your garden is important as well. For example, potatoes and peas are traditional vegetables that are grown around St. Patrick’s Day. Learn more about the traditional vegetables ready to be planted St. Patrick’s Day Season.

Seedlings 

There are many different types of seeds including heirloom, organic, hybrid, and GMO. Each type of seed has its specific needs and standards of growth. Understanding the types of seeds you have is essential to your garden’s success. Though seeds are cheaper than the plant or flower itself, they tend to be harder to grow. 

Start Your Garden Indoors 

Many gardeners start their gardens indoors. This is the best way to germinate your seeds and during the colder months, then move their plants outside when it is in season and ready to grow. Here is the best way to start planting your seeds:

Find The Right Containers

Fabric containers are the best type of containers to begin growing indoors. At the very least, containers need to be 2-3” deep and have some drainage holes. The best fabric containers have adjustable panels so you can harvest ground-growing vegetables such as potatoes or carrots. 

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Potting Soil 

Use fresh soil in your containers. Never reuse soil from your house plants or garden as it may carry sicknesses and lack nutrients. Moisten your planting mix before you place it in the container without making it too wet. Use liquid fertilizer to give your plants the best start. 

Plant, Plant, Plant

Each seed needs to be planted differently. Research your plant’s needs before you begin planting. While some seeds can be sprinkled on the top of the soil, others need to be planted 1-2 inches beneath the soil. 

Water, Light, and Fertilization 

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Beware of overwatering. Use a mister or small watering can to moisten the soil whenever it gets dry. Add liquid fertilizer to your seedling at least once a week. Seedlings love a lot of light! Use a fan, grow lights, or a grow tent to set your plants up for success. This will ensure strong roots and stems which is essential to plant growth. Set your lights on a timer that lasts for 15 hours a day.  

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Move Plants Outdoors

Plants need to be gradually transferred outside. Moving them into a new environment too quickly can cause shock, weakness, and death. Start your transition slowly and place them in a protected area outdoors before you plant them outside. Shade them from the sun and the wind before you plant them directly into the ground. 

Outdoor Gardens 

Outdoor gardens are great because they are larger, however, they require much more care. Starting an outdoor vegetable garden from scratch is all about the timing and the season. You can not germinate your seedlings during the winter months, but adult plants can hibernate during the colder times if they are strong enough. When planting your outdoor garden there are a few challenges to consider. 

Your Soil 

Your soil is a very important factor in your garden’s health. The soil requires constant care so that it stays rich in nutrients and doesn’t erode. There are a few ways to keep your soil healthy, some of which are listed below: 

Compost

Compost is a vital component of your garden soil mixture. Though you can buy compost, it is more affordable to create your own. Making your own compost is not only great for your garden but excellent for the environment as it reduces waste. 

Fertilizers

Commercial fertilizers are great for your plants but organic is always better. There are many different types of organic fertilizers you can use. For example, watering your garden with the dirty aquarium water is a great way to fertilize your plants. The nitrates from the fish waste are a natural fertilizer for your plants. Other natural fertilizers include crushed up eggshells and coffee grinds.

Soil Protectors 

Erosion can cause damage to your soil and eventually harm your plants. Surprisingly, harsh elements such as the sun or wind can damage your soil. Weeds can also invade your garden, stealing the nutrients away from your plants. Use weed cover fabrics to protect your soil from the weather and intrusive, unwanted, plants. 

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Watering Your Garden

As you know, water is likely the second most important factor in keeping your plants healthy. Did you know that certain plants can not drink tap water? This is due to the harsh chemicals in tap water including heavy metals, chlorine, and fluoride. For sensitive plants, most advanced gardeners allow their tap water to rest 24 hours before they use it to water their plants. The 24 hour time period allows the chemicals from the water to evaporate allowing the water to finally become safe for plant consumption. 

Use Mulch

Mulching your plants is a great way to keep them moist for longer. This keeps the soil wet so you don’t have to water as often. Mulch also protects against temperature changes and helps prevent the growth of weeds. The organic materials in mulch also break down naturally and enrich the soil with nutrients.

Invest in Your Garden 

If you take care of your garden, it will take care of you. Learn how to invest extra money into your garden and reap the financial benefits. Laying down the groundwork and spending smartly will not only save you from costly disasters but will also help you earn money! Protect your crops from the weather, animals, insects, and sicknesses when you plan properly. With the right preparation, you can enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables every harvest.   

Protect Your Garden From Bugs

Whether you like bugs or not, they will inevitably enter your garden. Remember, not all bugs are harmful, but the ones that are can completely destroy your garden. Harmful bugs include:

1. Aphids 
2. Cabbage maggots 
3. Caterpillars
4. Cutworms 
5. Potato Beetles 
6. Mexican Bean Beetle 
7. Flea Beetle 
8. Tarnished Plant Bug
9. Japanese Beetles 
10. Scales   

Safe Plant Protection

If you use harsh pesticides then you risk killing insects that are beneficial to your garden. Harsh poisons can also damage your plant, killing the roots or causing leaf injury. Here are a few ways to keep your plants safe. 

Essential Oils 

Essential oils have many benefits including garden care! Harmful bugs hate essential oils and are repelled by strong chemicals. These natural oils do not negatively affect your plants and they make your garden smell amazing! Here is what you need. Choose between:

1. Citronella 
2. Rosemary 
3. Lavender 
4. Peppermint 
5. Tea Tree oil 

Mix the essential oil with some witch hazel, avocado oil, and water in a mister. Mist your plants once a week to deter harmful insects and repel them from your garden. 

Start a Bug War

A great way to protect your garden from harmful insects is by employing their enemies. Encourage visitations from beneficial bugs by building a bug hotel. Organic gardeners prepare physical lodges that are not only decorative but host a myriad of friendly bugs. These DIY Bug lodges protect beneficial bugs during the winter and give them a safe space to lay eggs in the spring. Some of the beneficial insects in you want in your garden include: 

• Lady Bugs 
• Lacewings 
• Bees 
• Ground beetles 
• Earwigs 
• Big-eyes bugs 
• Assassin bugs 
• Damsel bugs 
• Mealybug destroyers 
• Solider Beatles 
• Praying mantis 
• Aphid midges 
• Spiders 
• Tachinid flies 
• Syrphid flies 

Use a Garlic Spray 

Some home sprays work better than others but are generally safer than harsh chemicals or store-bought pesticides. Garlic sprays, for example, are amazing at removing egg-laying pests from your garden. Here is how to get started: 

1. Puree 10 cloves of garlic
2. Mix in with a quart of water 
3. Allow to sit overnight 
4. Strain and mix with one cup of vegetable oil and a few tablespoons of cayenne pepper 
5. Allow to sit for another 24 hours
6. Dilute with 1 gallon of water 
7. Fill a spray bottle  
8. Spray bottom side of leaves
9. Apply once a week 

Remember Your Lawn

There is no point in a beautiful garden if your lawn is an eyesore. Lawn Care is just as, if not more important than gardening as your lawn takes a beating on a daily basis. Many lawns are subject to bald/ dry spots where areas may darken. There are many reasons for this including dryness, poor nutrients, damage due to foot traffic, and harsh sun exposure. Keep your yard super green with these lawn care tips. 

Save More This Summer With Yescomusa 

We all know that during these times, the new normal is different. Step into the new year better than ever before. Honor the time you have with your loved ones, safely, and remember- a little creativity can go a long way.