Planting a Family Garden

Answer 1

Gardening for Beginners

As the cost of food steadily rise, buying groceries for an entire family becomes more difficult. Save money on produce and fruit this summer by planting a small garden in your yard. Get everyone involved in the effort with these helpful tips.

Pick Your Produce

The first thing you should do when planting a garden is pick which fruits and vegetables you want to grow in your yard. What you can plant may vary depending on the climate you reside in. Figure out what your family eats and stick with it. A personal garden isn't beneficial if it's full of food that no one wants to eat.

Selecting a Location

Make sure the area you select for your garden has moist, rich soil. Dry soil is counterproductive to the growing process, so avoid cracked, clay dirt. Also, aim for a space that gets ample sunlight so that your crops can flourish.

Making it Rain

Remember that water is the most vital component when it comes to growing a garden. Water is a key nutrient in all plants, especially homegrown fruits and veggies. Place your garden near the water hose or in proximity of a sprinkler system. As it warms up outside, be sure to water your crops early in the morning to ward off the heat.

Keeping Out Critters

While you see your garden as a collection of edible goods for later, b

ugs and small animals see your gardens as prime snacking ground now. Place hot chili peppers in your garden bed to making digging unpleasant for small animals. Soaking rags in vinegar and hanging them on wooden post near your plants also keeps rodents away because of the unpleasant smell. Don't use pesticides; this may prevent you from eating your fruits and veggies later.

Go for a Tree

Although it may be a lot of work, planting a tree in your garden could save you a ton of money in the long run. Planting a fruit tree offers you access to an organic fruit supply at anytime, is good for the environment and adds to the overall decor of your garden. Go to your local nursery and find out what type of fruit trees are available and can grow in your climate setting.

Benefits of Canning

Once you've harvested your crops, consider canning and preserving some of the leftover fruits and vegetables. Canned goods can last for two to three years and preserves the nutrients located in food longer than basic refrigeration. Canning also is economical and is a way to get your whole family involved.