It is said that the hardest part in any venture is getting started. This holds true even for gardening. Setting it up is a lot of hard work but the results you will get will make it worth your while. Once you will have a beautiful garden and be producing your own vegetables the happiness you will feel is priceless. The big question is how to set up a garden. This step by step guide is aimed at helping you throughout the entire journey.
Determine where to set up the garden
This is the very first issue that you need to deal with. Choose a place that gets plenty of sunlight and is easy to get the water to. This is important because plants need direct sunlight for at least six hours daily and enough water. There should be no trees and shrubs nearby so there is no competition for the nutrients the soil has. An area that is slightly sloping is the best place to set up the garden so as to ensure good drainage.
Prepare the soil
This is the hardest and most involving task. The first step is to remove any existing grass using a spade or shovel. After this, dig up the soil to loosen it. For this you can use a shovel or a rototiller among other tools. This is aimed at aerating the soil and making it easy for the roots of the plants you will plant to penetrate. To add fertility to the soil, add organic matter such as compost manure. You may opt for artificial fertilizers but these are not as friendly to Mother Nature. Mix the soil and the manure properly and water the soil if there is no adequate rainfall at the time.
Choose what to plant
Do you want to create a flower garden or a vegetable garden? You need to decide this before going any further. Once you make up your mind on this it is time to choose the plants to have in the garden. For a start do pick too many plants. Opt for a few of your favorites. Also be sure to confirm that these plants will do well in your area since plants have very specific needs that are limited by the geographical location.
Plant the seeds
Now that the soil is ready and you already purchased the seeds to plant or potted plants to transplant, it is time to put these in the soil. For best results, read and follow the instructions given on the plastic tag of a potted plant or back of the package that contains the seeds. Be sure to follow the spacing guidelines to the latter for optimal growth and maximum yields.
Take care of the plants
Mulch is a great way to make the garden look better while also retaining the water and temperatures. Shred leaves and use them to create a two-inch layer covering the soil. Mulching will also add nutrients to the plants and prevent weeds from growing. Water the plants and continue to do so every other day. Use enough water without drowning the plants which could lead to their death. Remove the weeds when they grow tall and add fertilizer often so the plants give enough yields.
Your garden will flourish and before you know it harvesting time will have reached and you can reap the fruits of your labor.