For centuries, seasons determined what a farmer thought could grow at a time. In some parts of the world, there are four recognized seasons: spring, summer, fall, and winter. In some other places, there are the rainy and dry seasons. Over the years, we have shifted to growing for longer by integrating systems like irrigation, greenhouse growing, hydroponics, aeroponics, etc. While most of these things have been applied to commercial growing, many home growers like you and I have also used them in their edible gardens. Many plants can be grown well beyond the exact seasonal specifications with self-watering systems, grow lights, mini-greenhouses, etc. It does help to begin with what is recommended for the seasons in your area, and then you can add other plants and systems to grow more in those same seasons. In warmer climates especially, you have the advantage of growing many things almost all year round, provided water supply is available in the absence of rains. Do yo...
As I prepare to start seeds for 2024, I am excited to share with you two unique yet readily available items in your house that can serve as containers for starting your seeds! In upcoming posts, we will delve deeper into the process of starting seeds and provide you with some tips on different techniques. First off, let's talk about egg cartons! With eggs being a staple in most households, you probably have some egg cartons lying around. These cartons are perfect for starting your seeds as they provide deep individual spots for each seedling to grow until they are ready to be transferred to bigger containers. But what's even better about egg cartons is their degrading quality. You can simply transfer them directly into the soil without transplanting, and the carton will break down naturally. So, the next time you buy some eggs, opt for the carton crates, and you'll be doing your plants and the environment a favor! The second item is the cardboard tube found in the center of...
If there is one discipline that will grow from having a garden, it will be consistency . No matter how small, a garden requires some level of consistency to see the results you seek. Consistency in the garden looks like showing up every day to give your garden some attention. What your garden requires may differ daily depending on many factors. Some days, it may include watering, pulling any weeds, harvesting, transplanting, or starting seeds, etc. On other days, it is an opportunity to disconnect from all the distractions of the day and let your mind slow down as you sit in or beside your garden and observe or take a deep breath. At the moment, my garden time includes watering my plants and any other activity needed for that day. It usually takes about 10 minutes in total to finish up. What does yours look like? I love that on the days I am consistent with my garden time, I can see the results in the growth and overall look of the plants. It is those memories th...
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