Month: May 2021

Mint plants are really easy to grow, either in pots or in the garden. However, there are a few important things you should look for when growing mint. Typically, lots of beginning gardeners don’t know how to care for mint plant. So, in this post, I’ll give you the ultimate guide so that you can successfully grow your mint.

What to Look for When Choosing Mint Plants

Growing mint from seed can be an experiment for beginner gardeners. Because mint’s germination period is usually slow and initial growth can even be slower. Hence, it is advisable to sow mint seeds indoors several months before the last frost date. Due to this, most gardeners purchase mint through nurseries that offer pre-planted plants. These rooted mint cuttings are much more straightforward to maintain and will often produce more foliage than seed-started mints within the first year.

Here are some important things you should keep in mind when choosing mint to plant indoors or in the garden:

Variety: Are the mint plants labeled? There is a wide range of mint varieties available to the home gardener, so make sure you know what type of mint you have!

Health: Visually check the mint plants to see if there are any signs of disease. If it has any brown-orange spots on the lower foliage, then you shouldn’t use this plant. Such mottled spots are a common sign of mint rust, a disease needed to be destroyed or burned.

Pests: Inspect for any chewed parts or discoloration on the mint leaves. Large holes in the foliage are usually a sign of fissures, while small colored spots can be a sign of aphids, fleas, or spider mites. Actually, you can control all of these pests with proper care. Keep reading to know how to care for mint plants.

How To Care For Mint Plant

Growing mint plants and caring for them is not too difficult if you follow these tips.

• Minimal care is required for mint. You can use light mulch for outdoor mint plants. This not only keeps the soil humid but also makes the mint leaves cleaner.
• Remember to water indoor mint plants regularly to keep the soil evenly humid.
• Once the frost threat passes, you can start growing mint plants in the ground.
• Water mint plants throughout the season if needed as mint plants prefer completely moist soil. So, depending on the weather condition where you live and the location of the mint plant, you might need to water them on a daily basis.
• You can and should harvest your mint leaves regularly during the season. By doing this, you are promoting the mint plant to grow bushier. To harvest mint, use your fingers to cut away the new growth on the top of the plant. Pinch the part that grows above the button about 1/3 of the mint stem’s bottom.
• At the end of the season, aboveground mint can be covered with mulch for wintering. For mints planted in pots, you will need to dig them up and divide the roots. If you don’t, the mint will ultimately become so rooted that it will die on its own.

The Do and Don’t of Growing Mint Plant

Like cilantro and basil, mint is considered one of the easiest herbs to plant. Nevertheless, its roots, known as the “jogger tree,” are extremely invasive. You can imagine that they grow fast, quickly sprouting new leaves and new plants. If you are not careful, your mint plant quickly takes the place of a flower bed or garden. Keep reading to know the do’s and don’ts of growing mint:

Do

• When selecting a place for your mint plant, it is best to look for a location that will receive morning sun and partial afternoon shade.
• You can grow mint in containers or pots, both indoors and outdoors.
• When growing mint plants in a flower bed, make sure you submerge a pot (container, mesh bag, or rim at least 5 inches deep). This way, the rim is higher than the ground when potted. The silver’s fast-growing roots, as a result, will be contained there. Otherwise, the mint plants will invade your garden and lawn in a nasty weed fashion.
• Always harvest mint sprigs before they flower.
• You can pink flower buds when they appear to prolong the harvest season.
• If you grow mint in a garden bed, cover it with mulch to prevent it from spreading.
• Place mint plants 15 cm apart and thin them out often.
• If you grow mint plants indoors, place your pot in a location that receives good morning light. Also, keep them far away from drying heating items or elements.

Don’t 

• Grow mint plants in an open bed unless you immerse a vessel containing the plant’s wild-growing roots.
• If you plan to grow mint plants in a bed with a submerged container. Make sure it doesn’t crack. Otherwise, the “runners” can find their way and keep spreading.
• Grow mint plants in ultra-humid conditions so they don’t dry out.

Conclusion

Let’s take a look at some frequently asked questions about how to care for mint plant so that you will grow mint indoors and outdoors properly.

Conclusion

That’s useful tips on how to care for mint plants. I hope that you get some knowledge to take care of your mint. I’d also love to hear about your mint growing and caring experience. Don’t forget to share it with me and other readers in the comment box!

Home gardeners usually plant vegetables like peas, tomatoes, and peppers. But have you ever tried growing potatoes at home? Potatoes are a kind of starchy root vegetable that is considered one of the most staple foods in American cuisine. But beginning home gardeners might wonder how to plant potatoes at home. Well, in this part I will give you some information about when to plant potatoes, how to plant potatoes at home and in pots, and how to harvest potatoes. So, keep reading to prepare for your potato garden. 

When to Plant Potatoes

The ideal condition to grow potatoes is cool soil, usually between 45-75 degrees F. This means that the growing season for potatoes will be different depending on your climate, such as:

In cool climates: If your area has really cold winters and moderate summers, then you should grow potatoes right after the last frost date. For example, this weather is usually seen in the northern United States. And people there often plant potatoes in early spring, mid to late April.

In warm climates: If the region you live in has extremely hot summers and moderate winters, in late summer as soon as the weather starts to cool is the ideal time to start growing potatoes. For instance, this usually occurs in September in the southern United States.

How Long Does it Take to Grow Potatoes?

One of the most important factors affecting the time for potatoes to reach their maturity is the variety of potatoes. For example, it will take around 75 to 90 days for early-season varieties of potatoes (such as Yukon gold) to grow and produce. Mid-season varieties (like russet) will take longer to produce, which is around 90 to 135 days. And the late-season varieties (such as French) need more time to grow. Usually, it takes between 135 and 160 days to be ready to harvest. 

It’s better for you to choose a potato variety that’s right for your climate. For instance, if you have fewer days in your living space where soil temperatures are between 45 and 75 degrees F, early-season varieties should be your consideration. 

How to Grow Potatoes At Home

Here are the 8 easy and practical steps on how to grow potatoes at home that every home gardener can do. 

1. Buy seed potatoes. While a lot of garden vegetables are planted from seeds, potatoes are planted vegetatively. In other words, new potato sprouts will germinate from the produce on their own. In order to grow potatoes at home, you will need seed potatoes or potatoes covered in “eyes” – red spots will easily germinate for full growth. Besides, you should not use grocery store potatoes for your seed potatoes. This is because they might be treated with an inhibitor to prevent germination.

2. Start your potato seeds. You should put your seed potatoes in a cool, sunny place to stimulate hardy germination around two or three weeks before the time you’d like to grow. 

3. Cut your seed potatoes. Cut each seed potato into several pieces one or two days before growing. Make sure that each section should have at least two sprigs or sprouts. Don’t grow these pieces right away. They will need several days to “heal”, or they will rot in the ground.

4. Select and prepare potato beds. Choose a sunny place (make sure it gets at least six hours of full sunlight each day) in a raised bed, well-drained, a little bit acidic soil (pH level between 4.8 and 5.2), ideally rich in organic matter. Then dig shallow ditches (4 to 6 inches deep). Make sure they are long enough to grow each potato about 8 inches apart.

5. Grow your seed potato pieces. Grow the seed potatoes in the ditch so that the buds are facing up (cross section). Freely cover them with loose soil, which is considered an ideal environment for potatoes to grow. So, do not pack in the ground.

6. Keep it moist. You should water your potatoes one to two inches of water every week. To prevent potatoes from cracking, you should water the bed equally. 

7. “Pile up” potatoes occasionally. When your potatoes grow, leaves will germinate from the soil, while tubers will develop on individual stems below the ground. If the tubers are exposed to too much sunlight, they will turn green and you can’t eat them. So, make sure you bury the tubers simply by “piling” them. All you need to do is to pile several inches of mulch or soil around every plant’s base, except for the top few rows of the leaves. You should do this around 3 to 4 times during the season.

8. Keep potatoes free of pests. Potatoes are considered one of the most popular targets for Colorado potato beetles, aphids, and fleas. So, make sure you remove these pests from your potatoes or spray them off with water. Besides, you can nourish your potatoes with tea compost, ensuring the soil pH is always under 5.2 to prevent some diseases for your potatoes such as scab or blight. Also, don’t forget to maintain healthy crop rotation practices.

Pro tip: You can also grow potatoes with several plants to improve their tastes, such as yarrow, basil, thyme, etc. Learn how to grow basil from seeds indoors.

How to Grow Potatoes At Home from Potatoes

Ideally, you should grow potatoes from typically planted seed potatoes from a certified garden supply store. The potatoes you buy at the grocery store might have been treated with a germination inhibitor to prevent them from germinating in your storeroom. Nevertheless, if you have some potatoes that are starting to germinate, just grow a piece of germinated potato in a container or in the ground. Make sure you cover them with 3 inches of soil. Green sprouts will appear after 2 weeks. They will develop into shrubs and after 3 months or so, new potatoes will develop under the ground.

How to Grow Potatoes in Containers

If you don’t have a large enough space to grow potatoes in the ground, you can completely grow potatoes in pots or containers. You can start with a large and deep container with plenty of drainages. Fill one-third of the pot with soil, then put your seed potatoes in the container. Then place a layer of potting soil on top. Put the potato containers in place full of sun and water them well. Plant the potatoes in the pot as they grow to about 6 inches and repeat until the container is full.

How to Harvest Potatoes

When you see the foliage starting to die, don’t worry! This means it’s almost time to harvest your potatoes. Potatoes are usually ready to harvest two to three weeks after the plants begin to die again. Once the top of the foliage is completely dead, you can start harvesting your potatoes. 

1. Softly dig up your potatoes. You can use your fingers or a spading fork to softly lift the potatoes out of the ground. Do not dry potatoes in the sun; otherwise, they will turn green and you can’t eat them. If there are any green potatoes, throw them away.
2. Let the potatoes dry in the air. If your soil is really moist, let the potatoes air dry (out of direct sunlight).
3. Prepare to store potatoes. Leave your potatoes in a cool, dry, and dark spot for two weeks. This will make their skins harder and make them last longer.
4. Store your potatoes. Store potatoes in a cool and dark place. If you don’t have a tuber cellar, you can put your potatoes in the bottom rack of the pantry. They can be kept for up to six months.

Frequently Asked Questions

In this part, you will find out answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about how to plant potatoes at home.

Conclusion

So, that’s some useful tips on how to plant potatoes at home. I hope that all of you learn something and start to grow your first potato garden, either in the ground or in pots. If there’s anything you are still confused about, don’t hesitate to leave your questions in the comment box!

What factors contribute to the body odor and perspiration?

Body odor is a very common problem that can have a negative impact on a person’s life. It is primarily caused by bacterial activities in sweat rather than the sweat itself. It is a frequent misunderstanding that body odor is caused by perspiration. Human perspiration, in fact, is nearly odorless. Body odor is caused by bacteria on an individual’s skin breaking down protein molecules in perspiration, resulting in the production of odor. Body odor can be treated by some ways. There is no uniform therapy for it but by taking the following measures may aid in the control of the body odor and perspiration.

Body odor and perspiration preventive measures

The one measure is washing, a person should wash himself or take bath on a regular basis to avoid sweating or body smell. Another method to avoid body odor and sweating is shaving. The last method for preventing sweating is using antiperspirants. Antiperspirants work by reducing the severity of a person’s body odor by modifying sweat quantities and altering sweat chemistry.

What differentiates a deodorant from an antiperspirant?

Antiperspirants are a type of deodorant that is used to keep perspiration and stink at a bay from an individual’s body. Antiperspirant are applied after a shower on a clean and dry skin before going to bed. They then form temporary gel-like plugs in the topmost section of your sweat pores, reducing perspiration production and prevents the human body odor when used appropriately. The main difference between a deodorant and antiperspirant is antiperspirant contains aluminum which helps to decrease sweating. Therefore, it protects against body odor and perspiration on the other hand, deodorant protects against odor only. Both will help you stay fresh but, antiperspirant will help you manage sweat which is ideal if you want to avoid dampness beneath your arms. The aluminum content in antiperspirants help you reduce how much you sweat.

The best Antiperspirants available  

1. Dove antiperspirant

Dove is one of those brands which makes products that are moisturizing to skin. The antiperspirant by dove is hydrating to skin and also moisturizes it making the skin super soft and smooth.

• Secret derma + invisible gel antiperspirant

This antiperspirant contains aloe vera gel to make the skin smooth and also to sooth the skin. It does not cause any irritation to skin and even reduces the irritation which occurs after shaving the armpits. The best thing about this antiperspirant is its super light weight and creamy formula which dries quickly and does not stick to the clothes.

• Maxim antiperspirant

Maxim is famous as being a therapy for people who have the problem of excessive sweating therefore, it should not just be considered as a deodorant. This product is proven to be the best solution for people having the issue of excessive sweating and body odor. This product not just covers up the issue but also attempts to eradicate it completely.

• Duradry 3-step Protection System Antiperspirant

This product has received many positive reviews from its customers. It is used to address the most severe symptoms of excessive perspiration and body odor. This product is recommended by several dermatologists because of the maximum quantity of active substances to successfully sure the issue of sweating and body odor. This product is effective just after three days of use.

• Right Guard Xtreme Defense Antiperspirant

With just a single application, Right Guard prevents a person from body odor and perspiration for up to three days, taking freshness to new heights. This product is also suggested by several dermatologists, so the ingredients used in this product are tested and trusted by the dermatologists which does not cause any harm or irritation to the skin. 

Garlic is really easy to grow either in your garden or containers and pots in the yard. It is pretty low maintenance and typically doesn’t need too much space to thrive. Keep reading to learn how to grow garlic in pots or in the ground, the best time to harvest, and other tips for successful gardening. 

What Type of Garlic Should I Choose?

Basically, there are two types of garlic you can grow either in pots or in the ground: softneck and hardneck, also known as leeks. And here are some basic elements affecting growing garlic in containers you should know.

Hardneck or leeks: As their name implies, is very hard. They are great for planting in cold weather where the frigid temperatures are usually frequent and normal. 

Softneck: On the other hand, is softer than hardneck, and they are usually less hardy during frigid winter. Therefore, they will be best planted and thrive in areas with mild climates. 

How Much Garlic Should I Grow?

The quantity of garlic you want to grow depends a lot on your space and needs. Usually, 1 pound of garlic can grow between 15 and 30 feet. But this also depends on the variety of garlic you’re going to plant and the amount of space you want to spend on it. Generally speaking, you will plant garlic in a single row. And to ensure they grow normally, it’s best to leave the row spaced 12 inches apart, no matter if it is in the ground, raised garden beds, or pots. 

Where Should I Grow Garlic?

As mentioned before, garlic is really easy to plant and grow. Therefore, you can grow them anywhere, depending on your available space. If you don’t have enough space in your garden for it, you can consider growing garlic in pots, containers, or raised garden beds. 

In case you grow garlic in the ground, make sure you follow vegetable rotation. This way, you can easily know what garlic placement will be good before planting time. This also gives you the opportunity to ensure that places are well operated, weeded, repaired and prepared.

What You Need to Grow Garlic?

Here are some things you should prepare and consider to start growing garlic in pots or in the ground. It’s best to plan a few weeks in advance of your planting date. They include garlic (of course), the right container, soil, fertilizer, compost (optional), water, and some gardening tools.

How To Grow Garlic In The Ground?

As garlic bulbs love light, nutrient-rich soil and they don’t suffer water saturation or logging, make sure you grow them in the soil with lots of organic substances, such as rotted marune, compost, or reusable green waste. Below are details to follow:

• Carefully separate the garlic bulbs into each clove.
• Then grow those cloves right below the soil’s surface (around 2.5cm in depth). Make sure you put the pointed end of the cloves facing up. Also remember to keep the distance between each clove between 10 and 15 cm in a row.
• For some garlic rows, you should leave the space between rows around 30 cm apart. This way, they have more space to thrive and it’s better for you to get rid of weeds.

If you grow your garlic during winter in heavy clay soil, it’s better to separate the cloves in module trays. Make sure you don’t water the soil too much because it might make your garlic rot. Then put compost into the tray and grow one clove in each model. You should put the clove just right above the surface of the soil, which is roughly 2.5 cm. And cover them with a layer of compost afterwards. You should store the trays in a sheltered place outdoors for the best result. 

Planted this way, the garlic can be grown in the ground in the spring when the garlic cloves have germinated.

How To Grow Garlic In Pots?

Actually, you don’t need to have a large garden to plant garlic. It is very simple to grow garlic in pots or containers on your balcony or patio. Here are some steps to follow.

Picking the Right Pot

Firstly, you will need a pot with a depth of at least 8 or 10 inches. This provides enough space for the garlic roots to thrive easily. Besides, you should plant each garlic clove 4 to 6 inches apart. So, keep this in mind when you’re picking pots.

If your area is hot, you should pick a light-colored container because black pots can overheat the soil under the direct sun. 

Lastly, make sure your pots have drainage holes. And don’t forget to put some gravel at the bottom of the container’s bottom. This way, water can easily drain away from the roots.

Preparing Your Pot

• Fill your container with garden soil and fertilizer. Remember to get rid of pebbles and clumps from the garden soil before putting it into the container. 
• You can also check if your garden soil has the proper pH for the cloves to grow healthily with a soil test. 
• Start separating garlic bulbs into each clove and put them in the pot with a depth of 2.5cm and the space between each one should be around 10-15cm. 
• Keep the compost moist enough, typically during dry periods.

How And When To Crop Garlic

If you grow garlic in the fall, you can harvest in June or July. Spring-grown garlic, on the other hand, will be ready to harvest a little bit later. Just wait until the leaves begin to wilt and turn yellow, then use a trowel to loosen the bulbs from the soil.

Do not use a trowel to cut garlic bulbs because this will decrease their ability to preserve. Besides, do not leave the garlic bulbs in the ground for an extended period after the leaves have wilted, as the bulbs can regrow and may rot in storage.

Place the garlic bulb in a warm and dry place before you store them. Under good conditions, garlic bulbs can be stored for up to three months.

Common Garlic Problems To Keep In Mind

Garlic is less likely to have diseases, but there are two common diseases you need to watch out for, including white rot and rust.

If garlic is rusty, you will usually notice rusty-colored spots on the leaves. Unfortunately, there is no way to cure this disease. The only helpful thing you can do is to avoid growing garlic in the same area for 3 years. 

White rot is another quite common disease in garlic. It will rot the roots and ultimately the garlic bulb. And crop rotation is the only cure for this. 

Top Tips For Growing Garlic

Growing garlic either in the ground or pots is very easy. But here are some gardening tips you should remember to get a successful harvest.

• Purchase garlic bulbs from a reliable garden supplier.
• If possible, plant your garlic before Christmas if you want to harvest soon
• Don’t grow garlic in the soil that has recently been used to plant alliums.
• Don’t water garlic too much to prevent waterlog.
• Weed regularly. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some popularly asked questions about how to grow garlic ar home.

Conclusion 

So, that’s all about information and tips on how to grow garlic in pots and in the ground. Don’t forget to share your experience and garlic harvest in the comment box. 

Basil is one of the easiest plants to grow. You can grow it almost anywhere, anytime with a very high opportunity of survival. You can easily plant basil right in your home, in containers and put them indoors. They not only look beautiful when growing but also provide you with lots of health benefits, such as boosting digestive health, decreasing inflammation, etc. This ultimate guide will teach you how to grow basil from seed indoors, what you will need to have a successful harvest. 

Can You Grow Basil Indoors?

Yes, of course. You can completely grow basil outdoors. The planting process, except for some main differences, is really the same as growing basil in the ground or your garden. Growing basil indoors is also a good way to start your organic gardening.

Beginners can also find it really simple to grow basil from seed indoors because you don’t need to strictly follow the temperatures when you’re growing basil outdoors. As long as you keep your indoor temperature between 60 and 75 F, your basil can thrive. 

But sunlight is an important factor deciding basil growth. If you want to grow basil during the winter, you can still be successful in doing so if your area has sunny winters. If you don’t, you need to consider alternatives. And fluorescent lights are a great alternative. But you should make sure to expose your basil at least 10 hours a day, which is equivalent to 6 hours of sunlight. 

Another alternative is using a grow light. The plant light should be positioned a few inches above your basil seedling. When the plant grows, raise the light. If the plant starts to look longer, you should move the light closer. If the plant starts to develop white spots on its leaves, move the plant elsewhere.

When Should Basil Be Planted?

If you are growing basil in the ground, you should plant it no earlier than 2 weeks after the last frost. Basil is very sensitive to cold weather and if you expose it to frost, it will die soon.

Nevertheless, if you are growing your basil indoors in a container, you can plant it literally whenever you want to. Let’s say June, September, December, anytime is possible. 

Just bear in mind that it will take 6-8 weeks for your basil to be ready for harvest. So, if you plan to grow a large amount of basil on a certain date, plan accordingly.

What You Will Need?

Here are some items you will need to grow basil from seed indoors. 

• Basil seeds
• Containers or pots
• Soil
• Water
• Organic Fertilizer
• Gardening Tools

How To Grow Basil From Seed Indoors: 7 Simple Steps 

Below are 7 simple and practical steps on how to grow basil from seeds indoors.

Step 1: Prepare For Planting

Choose a place for your basil that will receive at least 6 hours of sunlight every day. If there is no such place in your home, set up a fluorescent or grow light.

Choose the type of basil you want to plant. Whether it’s sweet basil, Thai basil, Genovese basil or something else, the type of basil you choose will have its own appearance, taste, and objective.

Besides, choose your pot or container. Basil grows well in most pots, making it super easy to grow and you don’t need regular maintenance.

If you have too many options and don’t know which container should be opted for, then the “ideal basil pot” should be about 15 inches in diameter and 12 inches deep.

Step 2: Start Your Basil Seeds

It is normal that lots of people are wondering, “Should I soak basil seeds before planting?” Yes, you can. However, your basil won’t be affected if you don’t do so. Soaking the basil seeds will help them germinate more quickly, so if you want to harvest faster, go ahead. Nevertheless, there will be no negative results for your basil if you don’t do that.

The question is “how do you soak basil seeds?” On the night before planting, fill the bowl with warm water. Make sure the water is warm because cold water will not affect the seeds, and hot water will damage them.

Pour the seeds in that bowl of warm water and let them soak. After a few hours, take them from the bowl. The next morning they will be ready for planting.

Step 3: Grow Your Seeds

Fill the pot of your choice with a rich and loose potting soil. It is recommended to have a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. And make sure you fertilize it with organic fertilizer before you add the basil seeds.

Fill the pot up to 1 inch from its rim. Spread the seeds evenly over the soil. Then cover them with ¼ inch of soil, noting that the basil seeds need enough sunlight to germinate in the right way.

Once you’ve planted the basil seeds, water them thoroughly. It will take the basil seeds from 5 to 10 days to germinate.

Step 4: Take Care of Your Basil Plant

Water your basil plant daily in the morning, watering the base of the plant. The top layer of soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged.

When leaves begin to sprout, thin the plants so that they are at least 6 inches apart. You can use scissors to cut along the soil line. Rotate the plants as they grow to keep them from leaning too much to one side.

Step 5: Pinch Flowers on the Basil

The flowers that grow on the basil plant surprise some people. However, you need to remove them. This is because they can change the hormones of the basil plant, which can result in flavor loss in the leaves. After you eliminate the flowers, within at least a day, the leaves should regain their full flavor.

When your basil plant is 4 inches tall, you will also need to prune its top branches. This allows more side branches to grow, which will ultimately result in taller plants, encouraging your basil plant to develop stronger stems and leaves.

Step 6: It’s Time to Harvest

Once your basil crosses 7 inches in height, you can harvest its leaves. The more often you harvest basil, the more leaves it will produce then.

To harvest your basil, you gently pluck the leaves by plucking at the stem, right where the pairs of basil leaves grow. When you harvest basil, 2 more leaves will start to grow, resulting in twice as many leaves ready for the next harvest.

Step 8: Enjoy Your Basil

After growing basil from seed indoors to a blossoming plant, you deserve to enjoy your basil. Basil is a great addition to lots of recipes, bringing tasty flavor to lasagna, Caprese salads, pesto, pizza, cocktails, and more.

For the best flavor, harvest the basil 5-10 minutes before serving in the dish. If you have more basil than you can handle, you can use it to make pesto and then store that pesto in a jar for next use. 

Frequently Asked Questions

In this part, I will give you answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about how to grow basil from seed indoors. 

Conclusion

That’s tips about how to grow basil from seed indoors. This is actually a great project for beginners as well as advanced gardeners.

Basil is really easy to plant. It is also a beautiful ornamental plant, a delicious addition to tons of meals. Besides, it provides you with a powerful source of nutrients. You can also use these tips to grow basil in the ground in your garden.

I hope you enjoyed this guide and learned everything you need to know to fruitfully grow basil from seed indoors. If you liked it, be sure to share and comment with any thoughts or questions in the comment box!

Gardening season is coming. And if this is your first time learning how to start growing your first garden, then you might need to prepare a lot of things before you start. Whether you’re trying to grow your own garden of organic fruits and veggies or add some color to your backyard, these simple and practical gardening tips will be very useful for beginners.

1. Know your “zone”

By understanding the area you live, you won’t plant vegetables, herbs, or fruits that can’t survive in cold winters. You can also know which time is best to expect the last frost date in spring. This way, you can choose suitable veggies and fruits that easily grow in your “zone”.

You can look for what kinds of vegetables grow well in your region online. If possible, you can go to a local nursery. Small plant nurseries tend to start growing veggies and fruits that are proper to the season and local area. The nurseries that are fully priced and prominently displayed might be the suitable ones to buy to start growing. Discounted plants, of course, are usually cheaper. However, they often tend to be outside the main crop and your harvest will not be as good as you expect. So, choose the plants wisely. That’s also the next important step to start your first garden. 

2. Select the right plants for your “fun sun” or “full shade” area

For those who don’t know, lots of fruits and veggies need at least six or eight hours per day to grow. On the other hand, other plants thrive better in spaces with limited light. So, if your garden is in a place full of sunlight, you can consider growing perennial plants, such as chrysanthemums, peonies, dahlias, and lavender. However, plants such as ferns, hydrangeas, and hostas tend to grow better in places with less sunlight. 

3. Always test the soil carefully before you start digging

This step is important for you to know if your soil is healthy enough to nourish your vegetables and fruits or not. You can send a sample of your soil to a lab. Or more simply, you can use a home kit to calculate the soil’s pH level. The pH levels will be various for different types of plants. However, anywhere between 6.5 and 7 is suitable (with the exception of melons, eggplants, and potatoes). Besides, you should check for the following three nutrients: potassium, nitrogen, and phosphorus. If the result is not good, you might need to spend some time correcting insufficiencies. 

4. Consider using garden raised beds

Almost all beginning gardeners want to succeed. And you know, a raised garden bed can be one of the best ways to achieve that success. Although you might need to invest a little more at first, your result will be better when the harvest comes. This is because you can control the soil better when it is in the raised bed. You can also have a prompt and proper method to deal with weeds and pests. 

5. Plan the details of your garden

So now you know your soil quality, the plants you are going to grow, and the place to plant those vegetables and fruits. But, yuu should remember that one of the most effective gardening tips for beginners is to take some time to map it out before you start digging and planting your veggies. By doing this, you can double-check if you make the most of your space or not. 

6. Ensure that you have the right gardening tools 

To make your gardening as productive as possible, you should equip some gardening tools. But make sure you get the right ones. Here are some of the most basic gardening tools you should have in your kit: a trowel, gauge transplanter, tiller, pruning shears. Durable gloves are also essential to keep your hands safe from thorns. If you miss any of these things, you should buy them to take advantage of those tools for the best gardening season. 

7. Consider using a seed starter kit

Using a seed starter kit is one of the most simple and almost guaranteed ways to among various gardening tips for beginners. They usually come in one or multiple-use containers or trays. They will provide your seed with ideal conditions to sprout. These trays are perfect if you want to plant your vegetables or fruits but it is too early to grow outside. And you can put them in the soil or ground later when they are big enough. 

8. Always start small

You will need a lot of time and dedication when deciding to grow your own garden. It’s always simple to get excited about planting everything, including fruits and vegetables, under the sun. However, it is much better to start at a small scale so that you can easily take care of each plant in the best possible way.

9. Remember to label every plant in your garden

Even if you are going to grow just three types of seeds, it is best to label all of them, including their names and where they are planted. You never know that you can remember all those seeds. 

10. Take advantage of companion growing

There are a lot of reasons why you should make the most of companion planting. This can help you maximize your space utilization, providing nutrients for your plants, and also repelling pests. You also know that some vegetables grow best when they are planted close together. On the other hand, several species need to be planted separately; otherwise, they will inhibit each other’s growth. 

For instance, tomatoes are more productive (and keep flies and mosquitoes away) when they are planted closely with basil. Other allies of tomatoes, such as carrots, asparagus, celery, lettuce, marigolds, onions, parsley, and spinach, can also be planted with basil to get the best harvest. However, you should not plant the tomatoes near beets, cabbage, corn, dill, fennel, rosemary, and potatoes. 

11. Use compost

Compost is a type of organic material that you can use to add to your garden. You will be surprised by its effectiveness. You don’t even need to buy compost because it exists in your house already. They can be anything from tea bags, eggshells, ashes, coffee grounds, and even fur. When you add these compost materials to the soil, they can maintain moisture or dampness, fight diseases and pests, and encourage the growth of good bacteria. Besides, you can minimize the carbon footprint when reuse these materials. 

12. Use fertilizer

Even if you find using compost is not your thing, you shouldn’t overlook improving your soil. Fertilizing the soil is one of the most crucial steps to provide your seeds and plants with necessary minerals and nutrients to grow healthily. 

13. Always remember to water your plants properly

Proper watering is also considered on of the most useful gardening tips for beginners. Different plants, including fruits and vegetables, will need different amounts of water and frequency of watering. Therefore, always research this carefully to ensure that your plants are watered properly. 

14. Eliminate weeds

Growing veggies and fruits is just your first step in your new gardening journey. You have to get rid of weeds too. This is really important because weeds compete with the plants you’re trying to grow for nutrients and minerals in the soil. They also fight for precious space in your garden. 

15. Consider adding mulch to plant’s base

Mulch is great for providing your soil with nutrients and preventing erosion. Besides, it can help your garden resist weeds. So, you can consider adding mulch to the base of your vegetables and fruits, depending on what types of those plants are.

Conclusion 

So, these are just a few simple and practical gardening tips for beginners you can consider when you start growing your first garden. You just need to follow these steps and your garden will thrive soon. But if you need more specific advice, it is better to look for the help from local nurseries. 

Although eating organic is considered really healthy for your family and you, it can cost you lots of money to buy organic food (including fruits and vegetables) at the market or supermarket. Have you ever thought about starting to grow your own organic garden and don’t know where to start? Growing an organic garden is not as difficult as you think. In fact, you will find it fun and relaxing!

Besides, growing an organic garden is a good way to create a sustainable, earth-friendly ecosystem. So, follow these steps to start your first organic vegetable gardening.

Step 1: Consider a space with good light

The first thing when it comes to how to grow your first organic garden is the space available to you. As you might know, to grow to its full potential, your organic vegetable garden needs at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight each day. But you don’t really have to have a huge area to be a successful gardener. Simply find a sunny spot for a container or two on your doorstep or deck. Or you can also build a raised garden bed in the corner of your yard. The other important thing to consider as you’re starting out is how much time you have to care for your garden.

Tips for choosing your first ideal garden space: 

• Sunlight – your plants will need at least 6-8 hours of sun per day
• Water source – find a location near a water source so you don’t have to transport water containers
• Visibility – you’ll be reminded to care of your garden if you can see it easily

Step 2: Think about vegetables you will grow

The most important thing to keep in mind when thinking about how to grow your first organic garden is what you and your family like to eat. Besides, you have to be realistic about your area and what plants work best in your region. To know what potential vegetables to the place you live, you can look at The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone. Choosing plants that are well adapted to the light, drainage, moisture, and soil quality of your area will help keep your garden healthy. It can also resist  attack or disease, which is really important in organic and natural growth.

Here are some of the easiest plants to grow for those who have a limited time and space when growing their organic gardens:

• Tall snow peas and sugar snaps
• Zucchini
• Pole beans
• Swiss chard
• Tomatoes

Step 3: Choose soil to grow carefully

The biggest determining factor of a successful organic garden is your soil. Good, nutrient-rich soil makes plants healthier and less susceptible to disease. To get your new garden off to a good start, it’s important to know your soil, and make sure it’s conditioned suitably, before you plant your first seeds.

As you might or might not know, one of the best ways to know your soil is to test it. You can buy a soil test kit online or at your local garden stores. This way, you will know your soil’s current pH level and what nutrients you need to add to the soil to ensure ultimate growth. The fall is considered the best time to test your soil. After finishing this step, you should apply any organic nutrients to the soil before winter.

Composted material is considered healthy and great for your organic garden. It will provide your vegetable garden with the most abundant organic nutrients that you can find naturally. This is a cheap and eco-friendly way to enrich your soil. And more importantly, it’s easy for beginners. 

Besides, you can consider using raised garden beds. They might be a little bit expensive at first, but they will be easier for you to care for your garden in the long run. You can also control your soil and prevent contaminants better. 

After getting all needed things, it’s time to start. Mix compost, manure, or other compost and organic fertilizer with your soil to create an ideal garden space. And now, it’s time for planting. 

Note: Make sure your soil is not too wet for easier tilling. 

Step 4: It’s Time to Get Your Garden Started

Plant wisely. Help your garden thrive as it matures by starting with vigorous, vibrant young plants that you can buy at local garden stores. Or, you can also grow your own seeds if you have them available at home. 

Below are some of the most common veggies you can grow from seed right in your garden bed:

• Lettuce
• Peas
• Beans
• Beets
• Carrots
• Chard
• Cucumbers
• Spinach
• Squash

Depending on the area you live and the time of year, it may be better to incubate the seeds from the inside and then gradually transfer the healthy seedlings to your garden within 6-8 weeks. If you live in warmer climates, it is completely possible to sow the seeds directly into the ground in March or April.

Step 5: Start Planting Your First Vegetables

Some tools you will need in this step include a trowel, clippers, garden gloves and a watering can or a garden hose if your garden is near a water source. 

The most important thing you need to remember when planting your vegetables is to know how to organize your garden. Ideally, organize it with taller plants to the north and shortest ones to the south. This way, tall vegetables will not “throw shade” the shorter ones. Learn more about gardening tips for beginners.

Then follow the instructions on your seed packet for further guidance on proper spacing guidelines for each vegetable, as they vary. Placing them with the right distance will help air circulate and flow well, helping to decrease the risk of fungus or other diseases. Avoid growing your plants too far apart because it can make weeds quickly take over.

Step 6: Water Properly

Because moisture is very important for good plant growth, make sure that you plan your watering properly. For those who don’t know, almost all organic vegetables need at least an inch of water per week (and even more when your place is too hot). Easy access to faucets and rainwater tanks is key to keep you free of dragging heavy watering cans and dragging garden hoses around. Remember to water right after you plant!

Step 7: Pull out as many weeds as you can

In fact, there are several easy ways you can do to help reduce your weed situation. The first way is to cover with a layer of mulch about 2 inches deep. If you apply it deeper than 2 inches, it can deprive the soil of oxygen. And the best time to weed is after a rain. This is the time when the soil is moist and the young grass is much easier to pull off than the grown ones.

Step 8: Protecting plants from harmful pesticides

You may have moisture, nutrient, or light problems that leave your plants weak and vulnerable to pests and diseases. After reviewing the overall care of your garden, start looking for signs of damage or symptoms of disease and note common damage features, be it spots or spots on leaves, discoloration or even waste left behind. Also, keep in mind that about 95% of the uninvited guests in your garden are harmless and possibly even helpful (beneficial insects), such as ladybugs, ground beetles, soldier beetles, wasps, bees, and butterflies. 

To better control plant diseases or prevent diseases from starting, you can safely use organic products without harming yourself, your family, your pets, and also the environment. Lots of gardening enthusiasts are concerned about synthetic pesticides and their harmful effects on the vegetables and their health. So, they have turned to using organic pest control methods.

Step 9: It’s Time to Harvest

There’s nothing like the first harvest so you get the great feeling of knowing that your time in your organic vegetable garden has been well spent. If you plant well, your garden can even produce more vegetables and fruits than you think. If so, prepare cans and other storage methods, such as vacuum sealers and freezers. Many of your harvests will come at once, so to avoid waste, prepare ways to save or share with friends and family.

Step 10: It’s Time To Prepare For Next Season

When the fall is coming and the growing season ends, make sure that you clean your garden by taking off all weeds and diseased plants from the beds, roots and all. This is a great way to keep pests and diseases out of your plant growing space. More importantly, it gives you a head start on a clean, healthy planting space for next season.

Conclusion 

So, that’s all about steps when it comes to how to grow your first organic garden. Here are some key things you should remember to have a healthy vegetable garden.

1. Your garden needs full sun, at least 6-8 hours a day
2. You can start small even with a limited space
3. Prepare good soil
4. Buy plants
5. Fertilize 
6. Water is very important 

Of course, some steps might be a little bit different, depending on the climate where you live, but that’s all the basics. 

If you have any questions about growing an organic garden, let me know below.

When Industrial Revolution started in 1760, the era of development started in most parts of the world. The labor market changed as a consequence in which machines replaced human work. Many engineers believe that the world might experience a new industrial revolution which is also known as the fourth industrial revolution and the era of Artificial Intelligence. Although many countries have already shifted to AI. This might further render human work obsolete at an unfathomable speed. A study from the Oxford University predicted how many jobs in the future would be vulnerable to automation in the near future. Here are some of the most likely jobs, do you think these jobs will survive the recent advancements in the AI?

Healthcare

The artificial intelligence has already occupied the healthcare side. It may not completely occupy it but will be used to assist the doctors for example in surgeries. Every year, many people die of chronic diseases because their treatments are very high-priced. With the help of Artificial Intelligence, diseases like tuberculosis or cancer will be diagnosed faster and at a very low cost. It is possible that AI will check the eyesight as well. Other than that, stethoscope is also replaced by smartphones. Ultrasounds will be done through smartphones anywhere and anytime and the results will be also easily understandable by people. Robotic surgeries have become common in most of the developed countries. They not just assist the surgeons but also do surgeries all on their own. In India, where not every individual can have access to the hospitals, the government has launched an online service where people can book appointments with doctor or even have an appointment online where the doctors can diagnose them. This step was done to ensure that healthcare services is easily accessible to every Indian citizen.

Accounting

Most of the engineers believe that accounting is among one of those jobs which are most likely to be replaced by the Artificial Intelligence or automation. Already many of the tasks done by accountants are replaced by automation such as audit procedures or bank settlements and the list may go on. Computers have already replaced human beings in tasks such as data entry. With the help of Artificial Intelligence, many accounting tasks can be done easily and without any mistakes. However, that would not mean that accountants are soon going to be experiencing unemployment. The data provided by Artificial Intelligence also needs to be analyzed and verified and for that accountant would be required. With the advent of AI technology, only their jobs will become easier, and they don’t have to worry about getting replaced.

Waiters

Majority of the restaurants in China have already shifted to Artificial Intelligence technology. They utilize robot waiters in their restaurants. Due to Covid, many restaurants went out of business were negatively impacted and severely damaged. Even now, as the strictness of lockdown is being reduced, people are advised to retain a bare minimum of employees on hand and not gather many people at one place. During this time, I believe robot waiters is a smarter choice and a better option. Other than robot waiters, the orders will be directly done with the help of computers without calling out a waiter. Many restaurants provide iPads and tablets to their customers so that they can order whatever they want and pay their bills with minimum human interaction. This is surely a great idea for people who get extremely nervous while talking to strangers and don’t like much human interaction. This may also save the restaurant’s money on hiring more people. It may also improve the efficiency since robot chefs produce gourmet cuisine at a quick pace. Many chain restaurants will transition to fully robot-run operations.

Drivers

The future of every driver, be it a bus driver, a cab driver or even courier, is likely to be replaced by automation and may be overtaken by self-driving cars, robots or even drones. Everyone is well aware of Google’s self-driving car, isn’t it? These self-driving cars have the ability to drive anywhere and without the risks of accidents. It is quite possible that drives will be displaced with self-driving cars, it is only a matter of time. In Australia, many truck drivers are already replaced by robots that control those trucks. This saves companies a huge sum of money which they spent on human drivers by giving them wages. Robot drivers can drive very conveniently without getting into an accident. Another company which has introduced semi-automatic cars is Tesla. In nearby future, there is a possibility that no human supervision would be required. However, the main question arises that will this technology gain human trust? Will parents trust the robot bus drivers with their children? We cannot answer this question at time; however, one thing is quite sure that robot drivers and self-controlled vehicles are going to make many people unemployed.

Security guards

Artificial Intelligence has made a significant stride in the realm of physical security. Robot security guards with cameras installed in them can check buildings and do a better job than security guards. These robots also come with sensors so that they can sense anything usual around them. It is quite possible that in the future, unmanned robots may conduct frequent, dependable, and reliable roving patrols in dangerous and unsecure neighborhoods, sense and identify anything unusual and notify the security officers present in the offices or fields in real time. This will help in maintaining a security presence while also lowering the risk of life of security guards to dangerous circumstances.