Picking what plants to grow is not like picking what wine to drink.
While picking the one with the prettiest picture, or the coolest name might seem like a good idea, it does not always turn out well.
The first year I tried gardening, the only thing I could get to grow were jalapenos.
I didn’t know anything about gardening. I took the usual “Laura approach” and went in head first. No planning, no research, just determination.
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| Basil is an herb I LOVE |
I didn’t prep the soil, I didn’t water the plants enough, they were not getting enough sun…it was a complete disaster.
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| Blackberries from Megan! |
Looking back, it’s a wonder I was able to get anything to grow.
The next year I did much better. I learned from my mistakes. Also, I did a lot of research.
Here are three of the most important things I learned about starting a garden, vegetable or otherwise.
1. Learn about your soil. Not only PH, but how will it drains. I knew that my soil had lots of rocks, I assumed that meant it would drain well. That was not the case. I have about two feet of good soil, then it turns to clay. Clay = no drainage. Also, it is important to find out what parts get the most sun. I was going to have my vegetable containers on one part of the deck, but after watching how the sun moved across the deck I ended up moving them to the other side, because it got twice as much sun.
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| Apple tree, year 1 |
2. Don’t plant things you don’t want or in the case of veggies, won’t eat.
Jalapenos for example, I like them, but I don’t love them. After I had my fill I started taking them to work and leaving them in the break room. Eventually even the people at work stopped taking them. This year I plated blackberries. I know that they are going to get huge and they are going to spread and take over the area. I have prepared and planned for this happening. If I done the usual “Laura approach” I could have gotten myself it into a horrible mess.
3. Know you weaknesses. If you know you will not be able to spend a lot of time in the garden don’t plant something that is high maintenance, like roses. Before the hubby and I were dating he bought a house that had three big rose bushes out front. He didn’t know how much extra care they require. Needless to say I had a fairly large project when I moved in.
~Laura
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| Baby grapes! |
What important gardening lessons have you learned? Let me know in the comments.
