Grow a Glorious Garden with These 8 Tips

Get a Green Thumb This Season

Mary, Mary quite contrary how does your garden grow?
Well, I couldn’t find Mary (not sure I want to if she is so “contrary”) but here are a few tips to get your garden headed in the right direction.

1 Location, location, location
As with real estate this mantra holds true for your garden. You need a sunny location. Try to find a spot that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Vegetables and herbs do best in full sun, making them stronger and less susceptible to bugs and disease. Try to find that sunny spot close to home - a spot you will see or walk by daily. This will provide you with a daily reminder to tend to your garden.

2 Keep things simple
You want to make sure your water supply, tools and equipment are easily accessible. When you have your supplies organized and ready to go, it’s far easier to keep up with your garden.

3 Good soil!
You need the right combination of sand, silt, clay and organic matter. This will allow for good drainage, water retention and add nutrients. Check out this article for a step-by-step guide to improving your garden’s soil. Eartheasy has some great tips for planters and raised beds.

4 Add mulch
This will keep the soil moist, prevent weeds from growing and protect the microbes in your soil.

5 Choose plants that grow well in your climate
Remember, most garden centers in your area will stock items that suit your climate and the staff at these locations might be a great resource for you. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.

6 Keep planting beds narrow
It will be easier to weed and harvest if you can easily reach into the middle without stepping on your beds or the soil near the plants.

7 Check your hardiness zone
Here is a quick tip - If you are buying perennials, choose plants that can survive in a hardiness zone lower than yours to improve your chances of having them return next season. Most plants are sold with tags that include information about the hardiness zone, which can be very helpful. Check out this link to the USDA Hardiness Zone Map.

8 Try container gardening
This is great if you have limited space, or you want to start small. Be sure to choose containers large enough to support the mature size of your plant. (The mature size is another thing typically listed on those handy tags included with your plants.)

Love fresh herbs, but the idea of a full garden is a little overwhelming? Indoor herb gardens might be the perfect answer. Small herb pots are great for windowsills or small ledges and shelves.

Do you want to extend your green space inside your home? Try our  plant stands! They are perfect for bringing the outdoors inside.

Lastly, don’t forget about succulents! It’s easy to create a cute succulent garden with a few  simple ingredients.

Green thumb or not, we can all achieve some gardening success and reap benefits beyond the harvest. Gardening is a great way to relieve stress, get outside, soak up some vitamin D and burn a few calories. So let’s get digging!

Lesli Kelley is the Creative Director at mDesign.

How do you stay organized? We’d love to hear your story!
There are many ways that you can contribute and be part of our family.

Add your social media photos to our website and more! Visit mdesignhomedecor.com and learn how you can help spread the word. Get 10% off your first order when you subscribe to our email list. Plus, follow us on social media.