If you have a wide backyard, you might want to put it to good use. One of the best ways to use it is to set up a vegetable and fruit garden. The physical activity will make you healthier while the harvest from it will be sure to fill your plates with fresh food.
To ensure that you are doing it right, here are some tips that should help out:
Start Small
Don’t try to jump into the deep end too early. The best way to begin your backyard garden is to plant easy-to-grow crops. Focus on one or two crops, too so that you can dedicate more time and energy to them. A good choice would be tomatoes since there is a variety of uses for them, and they can be tough.
Choose Your Space Well
Your backyard doesn’t have to be your full garden. It is better to allocate only a small part of it so that you can better control the area for your garden. The ideal place depends on what exactly you want to have in it. Most herbs will do well with partial shade, while actual fruits and vegetables need at least five hours of direct sunlight for maximum growth. You will also want a place that has easy and sustainable access to water.
Check Local Laws
Not every region is forgiving about plantings in their area. Before you start digging up the soil and planting the seeds, you might want to ask around if you can do some planting. Homeowners association and local ordinances may limit your gardening efforts. It is best to confirm it before you are forced to give up your garden.
Use the Best Soil
Plants get the most of their nutrients from the soil. That is why soil quality is very important. Try to get soil that is free of any possible contaminant and use that as a base. Soil that absorbs water well is also preferable since you want moisture for your plants. Consider adding compost to it regularly to replenish the minerals and nutrients inside it.
Consider a Greenhouse
One of the problems that your garden will face is a bad climate. If your home area is prone to harsh weather extremes like cold winters and dry summers, then you may want to give your garden additional shelter. This is done by adding a greenhouse. Putting your garden inside one ensures that it will have maximum protection. For example, the window shades of a greenhouse can block out harsh sunlight that dries up crops, while winter is kept at bay with space heaters. Moisture is also easy to control inside a greenhouse. It can be an expensive investment, but it can pay off when you have crops all year round.
Setting up a backyard garden is a major responsibility. Make a mistake and your hours of effort would go to waste. The tips above can help ensure that your gardening journey will be successful. With their help, you should be able to keep your garden in good shape. You’ll have a great harvest in no time.
