Garden Tips

By Christal Morris

I started my journey of vegetable gardening at the beginning of the pandemic. It was a great way to relieve stress while working in a medical environment. What started as a small hobby sprouted into a magnificent passion. Here are a few tips to start your garden:

1. Start small and grow only what you will eat.

2. Know your zone! We are hardiness/grow zone 7B. This is essential to selecting plants that will grow well in your area. Knowing when it's safe to plant within your zone makes all the difference in the success or failure of your garden.

3. Location...location…location… Make sure you select an area with at least 6-8 hours of direct sun each day. Partial sun and shade crops do not require as much sun exposure.

4. Start with a great soil mixture. I typically use a 50/50 blend of soil and compost.

5. Decide if you will use transplants (already established plants) or seeds. Remember that some seeds are more difficult to germinate than others. Transplants are a great option for beginners.

6. Companion planting is a great way to naturally deter pests and improve growth. For example, marigolds help to fight off nematodes (a pest that attacks the roots of vegetables), and nasturtiums help prevent the dreaded aphids. Look online for a complete companion planting list.

7. Create a watering and maintenance schedule. Frequently check your plants for pests and diseases. I use a soil moisture meter to determine when it’s time to water my plants.

8. Be prepared to fight the Parkside critters. In my first year of gardening, the squirrels destroyed every vegetable I planted. I highly recommend some type of barrier protection. You can find many easy-to-build enclosures online.

9. Chat with other experienced local gardeners. Join the Parkside Planters group on Facebook for great tips and advice.

Gardening is therapeutic and food for the Soul.