Hey there! Today, let's embark on a journey into the heart of backyard gardening, where the humblest of spaces transforms into a canvas for a homegrown lifestyle. Whether you're tending to a balcony of pots, a small suburban backyard, or a vast expanse of green, understanding your space is the first step towards cultivating a flourishing garden that reflects your unique vision.
We all have our "whys"—the driving force behind our journey into backyard gardening. If you want to know my "why" you can read it here. Whether it's a quest for healthier, organic foods, a desire to get the family outdoors and embrace a new hobby, or the yearning for a more self-sufficient lifestyle, our reasons anchor us in the soil. Now, let's explore the lay of the land.
Mapping Your Green Canvas:
No matter the size of your gardening canvas, the first rule is to know your space. Where are you planting your garden or garden mapping, and how much room do you have to play with? Understanding the dimensions of your space allows you to plan strategically, making the most of every inch.
Chasing the Sun:
Now, let's talk sunshine. The sun is like nature's spotlight, and your plants are the stars of the show. Take note of where the sun rises and shines on your space throughout the day. Different plants have different light preferences, so understanding your garden's sun exposure ensures a healthy coexistence between plants and sunlight.
Cracking the Code of Your Soil:
Next stop: the dirt beneath your feet. Your soil is the sooooo important for your garden, so let's get acquainted. Invest some time in researching the characteristics of your soil—its composition, drainage, and nutrient levels. Armed with this knowledge, you can tailor your gardening practices to create the perfect growing environment for your green plant babies. For a few years, I added rich compost on top of my soil but it wasn't until last year that I actually had my soil tested and the info I received was incredibly helpful in amending my soil. I also grow cover crops in the winter to feed my soil and help with erosion when I'm not actively growing, but that's a thought for another time/post.
Cracking the Code of Your Zone:
Now, let's talk about zones—hardiness zones, to be exact. Research your gardening zone to understand the unique climate conditions that define your region. This knowledge is a game-changer when it comes to selecting plants that will not only survive but thrive in your specific environment. If you're already growing food/plants, be sure to check your growing zone again as they just updated zones and where I use to grow in 7b, I am now 8a.
Harvesting Foods You'll Love:
Lastly, let's chat about the menu. Growing your own food is not just about planting for the sake of it; it's about cultivating a garden that brings joy to your table. Consider the foods your family loves and, most importantly, will actually eat. Research the hardiness of these plants in your zone to ensure a fruitful harvest that aligns with what your family will consume.
Happy Cultivating:
As you navigate this new journey of backyard gardening or continue to grow and learn from your existing garden, remember that every space, no matter how small, has the potential to blossom into an abundant and beautiful space. Understand your space, chase the sun, enrich your soil, and plant with purpose. Your backyard garden is not just a plot of land—it's a living, breathing extension of your dreams and a testament to the beauty that can be cultivated right at home.
Happy cultivating, my green-thumbed friends! Or those aspiring to be green thumbed. ;)
With love,
Holly
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