We love all the wonderful activities Summer brings with it. One of our favorites is starting up the Serendipity Urban Garden again! Our amazing gardener, Helen, is so full of great insight and tips that we thought we would share some of it.
Plan Your Garden First
It’s important to get an idea of how much sun your garden will get throughout the day. Some plants require more sun than others. Have an idea of what plants you want to grow and where they should be placed in your garden in relation to the available sunshine.
You can also choose between having raised garden beds or in-ground beds. Raised beds are easier to plant and maintain but their soil will dry out faster. Having a properly hydrated bed is crucial to a successful garden.
Starting with healthy soil is key to having a bountiful garden. Here are a few things to look for to determine the quality of soil you are working with:
- See how many Earthworms and other Critters are living in the ground. (The more the merrier.)
- Soil should be dark and contain different sized, more rounded components.
- Soil should be loose and easy to work. (Easier for roots to grow in.)
- Be sure the soil is able to absorb water at a healthy rate. (Lose less water to evaporation.)
Planting
When you are ready to plant, think about how you can create partnerships with your plants to maximize space. Use tall, sun-loving plants to create a shade for lower lying, Shade-loving plants. You can also pair climbing plants with ground cover plants. Ex. Plant squash around your climbing beans.
Perennials are plants that will come back every year with no need to replant. Adding perennials to your garden at the start will make for less work in the years to come. Ex. Strawberries, Asparagus, and Rhubarb.
If you are starting with already sprouted plants, be sure they are properly watered before you put them in the ground. If you are starting from seeds, try to plant enough to make sure they all sprout. Don’t be afraid to remove the weaker plants once they start to sprout. This reduces overcrowding and ensures your stronger plants will get all the nutrients they need.