Lots of us picked up new hobbies last year. Learning how to bake bread became a trend of its own. With the start of a new year, new opportunities to learn, and the slowly rising costs of food, picking up gardening may be a good idea for multiple reasons. If you love DIY, that approach to gardening can be extra satisfying.
Build a Garden Bed
To start with, you’ll need a place to plant your garden, which means you’ll need a garden bed. Choose your location, keeping in mind the amount of sun it will get. Measure and cut the boards that will become the walls of your garden bed. Connect them to form the box for your garden bed. Prepare the ground by removing the grass and leveling the area. Add mesh to the bottom of the frame to discourage weed growth while allowing earthworms to enter. Add heavy-duty plastic to any wood that isn’t rot-resistant before adding your soil. Then add high-quality soil to the bed.
Make Your Own Fertilizer
Your plants will need plenty of nutrients to grow well. That means adding fertilizer. You can make your own, but make sure you plan well in advance so it’s ready to use when you need it. Waste requires a few months of composting before it is ready to use as a fertilizer. Alternatively, you can make simple fertilizers from Epsom salt and water, eggshells, fish tank water, fireplace ash, or vinegar and water. Keep in mind that different fertilizers serve different purposes, so make sure you’re using one that is appropriate to the needs of your garden.
Choosing Your Crops
If you’re going to have a garden, you need to choose what crops or plants you intend to grow. What grows best in your garden will be somewhat dependent on the growing zone where you live, so be sure to figure out what zone you’re in. Once you’ve chosen your crops, you’ll need to acquire seeds. You can purchase seeds from your local gardening store. For a more DIY approach, you can try harvesting them from produce you purchase.
There’s a certain satisfaction that comes from literally reaping what you sow. If you want to be a DIY home gardener, start by building a garden bed. Make your own fertilizer and choose the crops you want to grow. With careful research and attention, you’ll be able to enjoy the fruits of your labors come harvest time.
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