Wednesday, February 08, 2012

First Time Gardeners

Producing Our Own Food!

If you are thinking of planting a garden for the first time this year, I say, "Congratulations to you!" This is the best step anyone can make toward self-sufficiency, self-reliance, independence, frugal living and most important, surviving. My father has always had a garden, and as a child I always remember those special salads he made with fresh lettuce and a homemade bacon dressing. Mmmm! It was so good! Make memories with your children!

Digging in the dirt is part of it!

I hope you are not one of those people who say they are scared to dig in the dirt because of bugs or worms. Not all bugs are bad and worms are never bad. In fact, I love to see the worms in my garden. Unfortunately, so do the birds! Next month my robins will return and will be digging in my garden for their special treat of worms. I don't begrudge them their meal as I have plenty of worms, and they do a good job at keeping most insects off my plants.

Heirloom Seeds

If this is your first year of planning a garden, here are some quick things to keep in mind:


  • Do not make your garden too big, if it is your first one.
  • Plant what your family likes to eat.
  • If you must try something new, limit it to one or two types of plants each year. 
  • Buy seeds meant to grow in your climate.
  • If you have children, include them in the whole gardening process.
  • Do not panic or get overwhelmed by the garden. Enjoy it!
  • If you have limited area for your garden, use containers instead.
  • Do not get jealous of other gardens. Do your best with a small one at first.
  • To make watering easy, put some containers around the garden, so they fill up when it rains. 
  • If you need compost, contact a local horse stable or farm and ask for it.






Copyright © 2012 Kathleen G. Lupole
All Photographs Copyright © 2012  Kathleen G. Lupole

6 comments:

Paula said...

I so much hope I do get to start a smallish garden this year - depends when and where I will be. Your post supports my dream and keeps it alive. Along with the reminding me that I dont have to be the world best gardener this year - next year will do. LOL.

Jennyerin said...

Love your advice! I'm not a first time gardener but it's always good to see simple advice and encouragement. And I have to say that there are MANY gardens that I am jealous of :) I just drool over them and move on. The one piece of advice I would add is to start your own compost pile!
Jennyerin

Lori said...

As always, great tips! Thanks Kat!

Jill said...

This isn't my first garden but It is my first year doing raised bed gardens. I have been reading everything I can about the sudject and I am very excited. It good to hear I'm not the only one looking forward to a little dirt under my nails. I will keep your advise in the back of my mind about keeping it small to start but oh I have some many things I want to plant this year to be more self sustainable. Happy Gardening.

Lisa Lynn said...

Great Post! Thanks for sharing!

I just wanted to stop by and let you know that I have selected you as a recipient of the 'Versatile Blogger Award"! Stop by my blog to accept the award!

Thanks,
Lisa

http://littlehomesteadonthehill.blogspot.com/

Maketta said...

Thank you for your gardening tips. I want to start my own garden one day soon. Home grown food taste so much better. My aunt used to have a garden and my mom used to pick vegetables from it when we were little.