An Introduction to Gardening for Yourself and Your Community

Gardening is a wonderful pastime where you can sometimes literally enjoy the fruits of your labor, but one of its joys is that it takes a good deal of work. If you’re someone who is still learning the ropes, we have good news! There is plenty of information to help you get started, and you can even offer your bounty to those in your community who have less. Read on for some great tips and resources from Be Fantastic. Type and Tactics One of the first things you need to decide is what type of produce you wish to grow and how you want to grow it. You have a few different options, and how much labor you want to invest and space you want to dedicate will weigh into the equation.

• Vegetables are a popular choice for backyard gardens, and some types of vegetables are especially beginner friendly.
• Many novice gardeners are surprised to learn some types of fruits are particularly easy to grow as well.
• You might be deciding between seeds and transplants. Gardening Know How explains there are pros and cons to both—for instance, seeds are less expensive, but if you’re getting a late start, a plant may be a better investment.

Location, Location, Location The old real estate saying that location dictates quality holds over for your garden Making good choices on where you place your plants will determine whether they thrive.

• It’s important to provide the right amount of sun for your plants to produce for you.
• If you need help clearing out the space or preparing your yard for a garden, connect with local landscapers to formulate a plan for your garden and to ensure the rest of your yard is in good shape.
• Your growing zone will dictate when your plants should go in the ground, and then when your harvest is ready. If you choose perennial plants, like strawberries, it will also help you determine what selections will survive your winter weather.
• Plants pull nutrients from the soil to grow, so as Fine Gardening says, it can be worthwhile to have your soil tested to see if it needs to be improved.

Fruits of Your Labor Many first-time gardeners are amazed at how productive a well-maintained garden can be! Thriving plants often supply more than your family can eat in one harvest. With that in mind, explore the possibilities of what you can do with your surplus produce.

• Consider drying your extra food and herbs so you can enjoy it later. Even if you don’t have a dehydrator, you can dry many foods in the sun or your oven.
• Canned goods are another great option, but canning is a bit more complex. Make sure you know how to do so safely to avoid making your family ill.

Sharing Is Caring One of the best ways to use your surplus produce is to share it with others. From your next-door neighbor to your community at large, there are some wonderful ways to show you care.

• Do you have a neighbor who is down on his or her luck? Many people lost incomes with the pandemic, so consider delivering a meal to someone who is in need.
• One of the pluses of canning your goods is they are preserved for later use. This means they also can be given as a gift at a later date.

Gardening is a healthy endeavor that can greatly enrich your quality of life. Choose your direction and meet your plants’ needs, and you’re sure to have enough to share. Thanks to your thoughtful decisions, you can even use your garden to enrich the lives of others.