Spring has officially sprung and many parts of the country are eager to welcome the warmer weather after a long cold winter. Considered a time of rebirth and growth, spring is the time of year when vegetable_garden_tomatomany people are thinking about what they will grow in their home gardens this coming year. With the cost of groceries on the rise and the recent recalls of manufactured food, now is a great time to try your hand (or thumb) at home gardening. If you are interested in eating healthier and saving some cash, the following tips can help you get started growing your own garden. 

  • Keep Things Simple- If this is your first attempt at gardening you will want to keep things simple for the first season. You don’t have to have acres of land, in many cases window boxes or a small section of your yard will be sufficient to get started. Seasoned gardeners recommend starting out with no larger than an 8′x10′ plot of land to ensure you don’t overdue it the first time around.
  • Know What To Grow- For everything there’s a season- this is especially true when considering your first garden. You need to know what you want to grow so you know when your produce is in season. Knowing what you want to grow in advance will also prevent going overboard your first season and planting more than you can harvest or use.
  • Know How Much To Grow- Not only is it important to know how much your family will eat (or preserve) you must also know how much each plant will yield. The last thing you want is a garden that grows beyond your control within a few months. 

Garden Maintenance

Before you begin your new gardening venture you should understand that gardens are not a “set it and forget it” type of project. You will have to invest time, energy and a small amount of funds to get things going and maintain your project throughout the growing season. You may want to check with experienced farmers or gardeners in your area about the best time of year to plant your first crop, especially if you live in areas where you may experience a late frost. Many first timers base their planting season on the weather only to have all of their hard work and efforts undone by a late frost destroying their plants. Other things to consider and plan for in advance include: protecting your garden from wildlife and insect infestation, proper fertilization and adequate water supplies to support your crop.

 There are many rewards that can be reaped from your gardening efforts. You will likely see savings in your grocery bill as time goes on as well as the health benefits from having total control over your produce. In many cases gardening can become a labor of love with the “process” becoming a much enjoyed hobby in addition to the harvest at the end of the season.