Not all of us have a green thumb, but that doesn't mean you can't grow a beautiful and lush garden! Get ready for a crash course in gardening!
With spring now upon us, it's time to start getting out the old gardening tools and start planting a magnificent garden that your neighbors will be the envy of. While some of us have natural gardening talents, not everyone has a green thumb. In fact, most of the flowers and other plants that us "gardening newbies" try our hand at end up
enduring more harm than good. We have yet to find that perfect balance of water, sun, and TLC.
Fear not! We've compiled together a crash course to prepare you for the spring and summer seasons ahead.
Welcome to Gardening 101!
Learn the do's and don't's of gardening, and ultimately get the best
prize of all: a beautiful garden that your mother would be proud of.
Let's review some of the basics!
What Do Plants Need?
Plants are like people – they like different things (water, sunlight, soil type, etc.). Some have a tolerance for certain nutrients while others do not, and some like it hot and sunny while others prefer cold with tons of moisture. It's a challenge to figure out what that specific plant's needs are, but it is not impossible. All it takes is a bit of patience and some research.
Sunlight: Journey back to your middle school science class when you learned all about the magic of photosynthesis. For those who don't remember, photosynthesis is the chemical process by which plants make food. Plants use sunlight to turn carbon dioxide into sugars the cell can use as energy; it also creates the oxygen we breathe. Plants, flowers, fruits and vegetables all need the sun in order to grow and flourish.
Water: Like humans, plants live off water. Be careful when watering your plants, because you don't want to under-water them
and leave them to wilt in the hot Colorado sun. You also don't want to overwhelm them by drowning them with buckets upon buckets of water. Find the perfect balance and try to water your garden regularly to keep your plants content. Best time of the day to water your plants? In the morning while it's still cool. This allows for the water to run down into the soil and reach the roots without losing it to evaporation.
Nutrients: Plants need nutrients to grow and become healthy and strong. They need nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium to thrive. These nutrients are then passed onto us when we eat plants for food.
Soil: Plants need something to grow in. Soil allows the plant to maintain its water and nutrients for growth. If you are gardening in containers, make sure you purchase potting mixes that are appropriate for whatever plants you decide to grow.
Location is KEY
Gardening is not limited to the outdoors. In fact, plants that are grown indoors tend to benefit from improved air quality. When growing plants outside, make sure that your plant has sunlight, water, nutrients, and good soils.
Now, you've got a few options when it comes to the type of home you want your plant to reside in. You can grow your plants directly in the soil, which is an easy and affordable option. There's also the choice to grow them in raised beds or in containers.
Raised beds are typically six to twenty-four inches off the ground, allowing for more room for the roots to fill. The raised beds, while productive, can be a bit pricey.
Your other option is to grow your plants in containers, which are
perfect for flexibility and for beginners. It is important to water your plants in containers as often as possible due to them drying out faster than raised beds.
Community gardens are also a great way to combine your love for plants and a social environment.
Essential Equipment
If you're a beginner gardener, then there are a few tools you'll require in your arsenal. However, the larger your garden becomes, the more tools you'll need.
Most gardens require containers, potting soil, a watering can (or hose), and a small trowel or spoon of some kind. When dealing with raised beds, there are some additional tools that will come in handy like a shovel, a hoe and a digging fork.
Keeping Your Garden Pest-Free
One of the biggest challenges gardeners face is keeping weeds, pests and diseases out of the garden. Unfortunately, weeds are inevitable and that's okay, just as long as they aren't causing irreversible damage to your plants. Our advice: weed every week to keep them from spreading and out of control. If you cover the soil with mulch, this can help prevent and reduce weeds.
Insects and pests are always a struggle
for even the most experienced gardeners. However, if you are proactive, then these issues can be resolved before they start. You can use a variety of techniques to prevent those pesky little critters from destroying your hardworking, such as adding fences.
Additional Tips
During this time of the year, it is best to plant in large but lightweight plastic pots. Colorado's weather can be unpredictable, and that way your precious plants will be protected and can be easily transported inside or into the garage without causing significant damage.
Be gentle with the roots, as this is the most delicate part of the plant. If you are too rough, this will only add stress to the plants and make transplanting more difficult than it already is. It's also best to plant at a grade or slightly deeper since plant soil will settle,
giving your plant's roots room to grow and blossom. It's also best to keep your plants moist and fertilized. This promotes flowering, allowing for your plants to prosper.
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Now that you've been given the proper tools and means of growing your own garden, are you ready to face the challenging task? Sound off in the comments below and share with us any other gardening tips! Also, share photos of your own gardens with us! Happy gardening!
