How To Start A Vegetable Garden?
In these days when our economy is in shambles, with no hope in site of improving any time soon, we need to think of cutting our grocery bills, and at the same time to eat healthier and better.
Just think about having your own vegetable garden where you can pluck them out with your own hand, fresh and full of vitamins and minerals, there is nothing really, to compare or even come close to it. They taste better and they are much more nutritious than the produce that is shipped and travels long distance.
For convenience, you probably shop at the supermarket to buy your fruits and vegetables, but honestly, they just cannot compare with what you can grow and eat raw or cooked from your own garden.
If you never had the experience to make your garden yet, and all you have eaten was the produce from your local supermarket, or from the roadside fruit stand, than you are missing out and you owe it to yourself, to think very seriously to start your own garden, if you really want to eat fresh and healthy, and at the same time save some mullah. It is not really that hard, and it sure is not complicated at all. And once you have it, you'll be glad you did.
Just think of the benefits to be outdoors, in nature to enjoy the fresh air, and work in the tranquility of your little paradise. Not withstanding the free exercise you are getting in the process. That's good for your body, mind, and soul. Work with your family, have your children involved, they are going to love it.
And you want to do it right. So it is a good idea to make a little plan, and stick to it.
First, choose a good sunny spot, where you don't get too much shade or no shade at all if possible, and the plot should be free of rocks or debris. The vegetable plants take full sun. But it should be close enough to the house to be able to water with a hose hooked to a spigot, when you need to water if and when it's not raining.
Preparing the soil:
The preparation of the soil is very important, and your success will very much depend on how you prepare the site. If the soil is clay or sandy and lacks nutrients, it must be amended and enriched with composted material, like cow manure, organic fertilizer and minerals if needed. The darker the soil the better. for a garden to strive, the soil needs to have humus. To make it even cheaper for next season, collect the leaves and other vegetation, kitchen leftovers, and make your own compost. The soil will need nutrients to replace those used and depleted by the vegetables as they feed from the soil.
Now think of what vegetables would you like to grow, something you enjoy eating the most. So, buy the seeds for the vegetables you choose, and go from there. This list would be endless, but a few examples would be; tomatoes, bell peppers, hot peppers, squash, radish, cucumbers, lettuce, cabbage, carrots, spinach, onions (sets). Maybe a few herbs to spice up your cooking with, like, dill, parsley, oregano, basil, arugula, rosemary, cilantro, etc. It all depends on how much space you have, and how large a garden you want to have. Herb plants don't take too much room, and they are fun to grow. Just think of that nice aroma they so freely give, in exchange of just a little LTC. Loving Tender Care.
To have a good and early start with your garden, start your seeds indoors, and plant the transplants after the danger of late frost is past. It depends on where you live. One of the best methods would be to start the seeds in little peat pots, like the Jiffy-pots, so that when you plant the little plants outside you plant them with the Jiffy pot, thus not disturbing the tender roots of the transplants. If you prefer, you can plant the seeds directly in rows, according to the instructions on the seed packets.
Plant the plants according to their size, and group them together. The low growing ones, should be separate from the tall growing ones, as to not block the sun light from reaching evenly on all the plants.
Water well and keep the soil moist. Don't let the soil dry completely out between watering, nor keep it too soggy either.
Once they started to grow, you can water them good, and then leave them alone and give them a chance to drink and feed. Water again before the soil dries out completely.
Now it is time to sit back and relax on a bench, somewhere in the shade, or on your porch, and watch how the little seeds sprout out of the soil. It is very rewarding to see, as the hard part of gardening is pretty much over, except that now and then watch for them pesky weeds to pluck them out, and don't let them invade your little paradise. Wait patiently for the time when you take out of your garden, with your own hand, and enjoy those healthy, juicy vegetables. Eat them raw, in salads, or in cooking and enjoy the good old fashion living. It is good for you! And it is simply, wonderful.
A lot more information is coming periodically, through related Gardening Articles. So please, leave a comment and help me improve the quality of service I'm providing to you, my fellow gardeners, freely. Your following me on this blog, as well as linking to it, is highly appreciated.
Mike Borlovan
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Gardening like a Professional with Modest Means
Gardening like a professional with modest means.
You might think it's a real challenge. But it's not. The modest means should be available for free, right around your house.
You don't really have to be a professional gardener to grow quality, vibrant, healthy and full of life vegetables. You need a desire to learn, to experiment, and apply in practice what you've learned.
It is so wonderful to work and relax outdoors, in the tranquility of your little paradise that you will create in the process of making your garden.
This is one of the most rewarding exercise you can get, and very much to enjoy at the same time.
Mother nature is so rich, and so freely giving, that we could never exhaust her of the never ending resources she has. The only thing we need to learn is how to receive and take from her, as long as we do not try to destroy her.
And we need to give some of it back, by composting the leftovers, and help the soil get fertile again, through natural means.
Sometimes the plot we intend to grow our vegetables in, is depleted of the best nutrients it used to offer. The first impulse would be to apply some chemically based fertilizer, but that's obviously not the best solution.
The land is so over fertilized and treated with dangerous pesticides in the lands where the produce is grown, the produce that we purchase from the supermarket shelf, is hardly safe to eat anymore. You don't know what kind and how much fertilizer and pesticides and fungicides was used to increase their bottom line for their productivity!
So what are we going to do? We have to eat fruits and vegetables, we've got to feed our families. Than what? Thanks be to God that created the Mother Nature, for there is an alternative to it: start your own Garden and grow your own fruits and vegetables, if you don't have one already. That's the smart thing to do. That's the safest way to eat fresh fruits, berries and vegetables. Especially today, when most of our produce is coming from imports, and we don't have a clue how were they grown!
We don't need to poison our bodies with chemical fertilizers and pesticides, that we don't even have any idea how much was there applied. We don't know how was the produce handled.
In my humble opinion, the best way to make the soil fertile is through natural means. Let's think of the forest, where the trees have grown and survived for hundreds of years. They even survived fires, and revived again stronger then before. Why?
Because of it's ability to replenish the nutrients by its natural means, without the intervention of the humans. The trees are dropping the dead limbs, and the leaves that decompose, and turns back into the soil, with the help of rain, wind, sun, heat, and our little invisible friends, the micro organisms that feed on them, and thus turn the decaying leaves into humus. That's exactly what the plants need to continue the cycle of life. Humus.
And that's exactly what we should do for the soil in our own garden. Collect the leaves from one year to another, have a pile in a corner of the garden, and let it decay. Just turn it now and then with a pitch fork, and you'll have the best natural fertilizer possible. For Free!
A lot of people are burning the leaves. Well, if they don't have a garden it's OK, I guess. But if they do have a garden, and they burn the leaves, and then they go to the supply store to buy that expensive chemical fertilizer, in my opinion that is a mistake. But, hey, who knows, maybe they have money to burn!
As for you folks, who are passionate about gardening and save the leaves, that's like money in your pocket, as well as prime quality fruits and vegetables, much safer to eat, than a lot of other people who maybe do not care.
If you have also access to some cow manure, or chicken droppings,that's perfect. But the leaves are the cheapest and smart way to make your own compost.
Now there are a lot of ways to make your own compost, of course, food leftovers, sea grass, seaweeds, ground oyster shells, peanut hulls, grass clippings, etc, etc, etc. I don't doubt that. But what I'm saying is that the leaves are the cheapest and the most readily available for almost anyone. And they cost you nothing! They are free.
Spread your compost on top of the soil, till it in the ground and reap the benefits of an abundant crop of fresh, vibrant, healthy, and happy fruits and vegetables from your own garden.
Create your own paradise and live smart, healthy, and well.
Until next time,
Happy Gardening!
You might think it's a real challenge. But it's not. The modest means should be available for free, right around your house.
You don't really have to be a professional gardener to grow quality, vibrant, healthy and full of life vegetables. You need a desire to learn, to experiment, and apply in practice what you've learned.
It is so wonderful to work and relax outdoors, in the tranquility of your little paradise that you will create in the process of making your garden.
This is one of the most rewarding exercise you can get, and very much to enjoy at the same time.
Mother nature is so rich, and so freely giving, that we could never exhaust her of the never ending resources she has. The only thing we need to learn is how to receive and take from her, as long as we do not try to destroy her.
And we need to give some of it back, by composting the leftovers, and help the soil get fertile again, through natural means.
Sometimes the plot we intend to grow our vegetables in, is depleted of the best nutrients it used to offer. The first impulse would be to apply some chemically based fertilizer, but that's obviously not the best solution.
The land is so over fertilized and treated with dangerous pesticides in the lands where the produce is grown, the produce that we purchase from the supermarket shelf, is hardly safe to eat anymore. You don't know what kind and how much fertilizer and pesticides and fungicides was used to increase their bottom line for their productivity!
So what are we going to do? We have to eat fruits and vegetables, we've got to feed our families. Than what? Thanks be to God that created the Mother Nature, for there is an alternative to it: start your own Garden and grow your own fruits and vegetables, if you don't have one already. That's the smart thing to do. That's the safest way to eat fresh fruits, berries and vegetables. Especially today, when most of our produce is coming from imports, and we don't have a clue how were they grown!
We don't need to poison our bodies with chemical fertilizers and pesticides, that we don't even have any idea how much was there applied. We don't know how was the produce handled.
In my humble opinion, the best way to make the soil fertile is through natural means. Let's think of the forest, where the trees have grown and survived for hundreds of years. They even survived fires, and revived again stronger then before. Why?
Because of it's ability to replenish the nutrients by its natural means, without the intervention of the humans. The trees are dropping the dead limbs, and the leaves that decompose, and turns back into the soil, with the help of rain, wind, sun, heat, and our little invisible friends, the micro organisms that feed on them, and thus turn the decaying leaves into humus. That's exactly what the plants need to continue the cycle of life. Humus.
And that's exactly what we should do for the soil in our own garden. Collect the leaves from one year to another, have a pile in a corner of the garden, and let it decay. Just turn it now and then with a pitch fork, and you'll have the best natural fertilizer possible. For Free!
A lot of people are burning the leaves. Well, if they don't have a garden it's OK, I guess. But if they do have a garden, and they burn the leaves, and then they go to the supply store to buy that expensive chemical fertilizer, in my opinion that is a mistake. But, hey, who knows, maybe they have money to burn!
As for you folks, who are passionate about gardening and save the leaves, that's like money in your pocket, as well as prime quality fruits and vegetables, much safer to eat, than a lot of other people who maybe do not care.
If you have also access to some cow manure, or chicken droppings,that's perfect. But the leaves are the cheapest and smart way to make your own compost.
Now there are a lot of ways to make your own compost, of course, food leftovers, sea grass, seaweeds, ground oyster shells, peanut hulls, grass clippings, etc, etc, etc. I don't doubt that. But what I'm saying is that the leaves are the cheapest and the most readily available for almost anyone. And they cost you nothing! They are free.
Spread your compost on top of the soil, till it in the ground and reap the benefits of an abundant crop of fresh, vibrant, healthy, and happy fruits and vegetables from your own garden.
Create your own paradise and live smart, healthy, and well.
Until next time,
Happy Gardening!
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Grow Your Own Fruits & vegetables!
If you have your little heaven, like your back yard or even front yard, you are a step closer to a healthier, more self sufficient living!
My, my, my! What a potential! With a little careful planing, you can create your own paradise, in no time. Take a look at your sunny spot, and make a simple plan on a sheet of paper, mark the spot to grow your vegetables.
Make a list of what would you like to grow. This could be endless, but you can limit it to what would you like best. Like, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, snap beans, peas, kohlrabi, lettuce, cabbage, broccoli, cantaloupes, etc. We could go on and on. These are just a few examples, but just use your imagination, and you'll find out how easy it is.
It all depends on how much space you have, how passionate and how much time you want to spend and dedicate to your garden. and remember, this is one of the best exercise you can have, without paying any fees and dues like at the gim club.
Look at where is the sun coming up, and where is it going down. This is pretty important, to know how to plan your layout of your little paradise.
What are your preferred fruits? Think about it, and plan accordingly. How about some apple, peach, plum, cherry, apricot, and other fruit trees that you would like to have and pick them off the trees with your own hand? It can't be any fresher than that.
All these fresh fruits and vegetables have tremendous health benefits! And what kind of garden would that be, without some berry fruits as well? How about some blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, raspberries, and more. Rich in vitamins and minerals and antioxidants, very beneficial for your well being.
To get some ideas about what seeds, berry plants and fruit trees to purchase, please visit one of my sources at: http://stores.shop.ebay.com/borlovansnursery
This is just the first article post in a series that will follow. Please visit us soon for more information and related articles.
Your following me on my blog is highly appreciated. Please leave your coments, so I can improve my service to you.
My, my, my! What a potential! With a little careful planing, you can create your own paradise, in no time. Take a look at your sunny spot, and make a simple plan on a sheet of paper, mark the spot to grow your vegetables.
Make a list of what would you like to grow. This could be endless, but you can limit it to what would you like best. Like, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, snap beans, peas, kohlrabi, lettuce, cabbage, broccoli, cantaloupes, etc. We could go on and on. These are just a few examples, but just use your imagination, and you'll find out how easy it is.
It all depends on how much space you have, how passionate and how much time you want to spend and dedicate to your garden. and remember, this is one of the best exercise you can have, without paying any fees and dues like at the gim club.
Look at where is the sun coming up, and where is it going down. This is pretty important, to know how to plan your layout of your little paradise.
What are your preferred fruits? Think about it, and plan accordingly. How about some apple, peach, plum, cherry, apricot, and other fruit trees that you would like to have and pick them off the trees with your own hand? It can't be any fresher than that.
All these fresh fruits and vegetables have tremendous health benefits! And what kind of garden would that be, without some berry fruits as well? How about some blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, raspberries, and more. Rich in vitamins and minerals and antioxidants, very beneficial for your well being.
To get some ideas about what seeds, berry plants and fruit trees to purchase, please visit one of my sources at: http://stores.shop.ebay.com/borlovansnursery
This is just the first article post in a series that will follow. Please visit us soon for more information and related articles.
Your following me on my blog is highly appreciated. Please leave your coments, so I can improve my service to you.
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