Whether you’re digging in for the first time (see what we did there?) or you’re a long-time gardener, let us show you how to start a garden that will have your neighbors peeking over your fence to ask what you’ve been up to! Here are some tips to ensure success:
Soil prep is key. It is impossible to overstate the importance of healthy soil. Spare no expense, add as many premium organic ingredients as you can, and protect your garden with mulch (more below). Click here to watch a video about the thriving world beneath your feet.
Test your soil to identify whether you’re dealing with sand, silt, or clay. This video will show you which ingredients to use to amend the soil for optimum health. Other tests will uncover possible nutrient deficiencies. There are also new tests available to indicate whether your soil has sufficient biology living in it. Ask at your local gardening center for advice on this.
Choose your space wisely. Planning where to locate your plants with regards to your shade and sun patterns will go a long way toward ensuring success. For example, it’s good to know that most vegetables respond best to a full day of sunshine. Cool and shade-loving plants should be collected together in a spot that provides protection from the sun.
Group your plants according to their water needs. There are many options for providing your plants with water. Most important is to group plants with similar thirst together. A drought-tolerant cactus shouldn’t sit next to a constantly thirsty rhododendron.
Protect against future pests with Beneficial Nematodes. Many of the flying and chewing pests that decimate your plants – seemingly overnight – spend up to a third of their life cycle underground. Beneficial Nematodes control over 230 of these pests, from the grubs that attack your roots to the flying creatures that chew your precious plants to pieces. Find out why beautiful gardens rely on Beneficial Nematodes as the ultimate step in PREP! Click here for more information on Beneficial Nematodes.
Cast a magic spell over your soil health with Earthworm Castings (that’s a fancy name for “worm poop”). Click here to find out why castings are a key ingredient in your soil recipe. Click here to read all about Earthworm Castings.
Add Earthworms. Click here for more information on these magical super soil builders.
Mulch, mulch, mulch! Top dress with high-quality mulch. A recent University study in drought-stricken southern California proved that the addition of a 3-inch layer of composted mulch reduced the water consumption of a typical landscape by 30%! Not only does this save money, it also provides a continually moist environment for healthy roots to grow! Deep watering helps promote perfection for roots to thrive.
Deploy armies of Beneficial Insects. Mason Bees are excellent pollinators that won’t sting or bite. Plus, for every garden pest, there is an insect that is nature-made to deal with it! Lacewings will tackle the above-ground pests like aphids, and the Ladybugs and Praying Mantises will delight kids and adults alike – they even make great garden pets!
Include your kids! Playing in the dirt has proven health benefits. Help usher in the next generation of leaders who will help to restore what Mother Nature intended – soil that is a lush provider of healthy, chemical-free food! Science has proven that digging around in the soil is an effective antidepressant! Find out more from a TEDx Talk given to students by Kathy Kellogg Johnson just before the pandemic.
To find any of the beneficial insects highlighted in this article, visit your local garden center or nursery or visit our Store Locator.
