Plant Plants
Sounds obvious, right? Wrong – if you chose to go down the
daring path of seeds, I promise you will 99% likely be disappointed. Unless
you’re planting kale or something else that greats like a weed, the seeds take
forever to take with more often than not - little to no success (depending upon
your area). Starting with plants gets you started with something green that
already has some success, and it looks like you’ve actually done something when
you’re done planting for the day.
The Associates at Home
Depot are your new Best Friends
Without these guys, I would have literally tried to plant pickles
in the sand. Whether it’s Home Depot, Lowes, or your local gardening center -
find someone working in the plant section, tell them what your plans are and ask
them tons of questions about everything. Want to plant tomatoes? Ask the
friendly associate of the fine establishment if they think they’ll take in
December in New York. Not sure what tools, soil, food, wire, gloves to use?
These guys have all the answers.
Early Bird Gets the Worm
If you’re going to be a gardener, I’ve learned that the
earlier is always the better. When first planting, you’re going to want to do
it early. I am talking hitting up Home Depot at 7AM on Sunday and being done
planting by 10AM. Why you ask? This was shocking news to me – did you know that
if you water anytime between 2 hours after sunrise and sunset (so pretty much
all day) that the reflection of the sun onto the water burns the plants?? You
don’t want to hurt your new little babies. Same goes for continuing to water –
morning is most definitely the best time. Though you can do it after sunset
(beware of mold…and creepy crawlers you can’t see, ekk!).
Be Patient
This is a virtue I find difficult in most facets of life so
in gardening (something I am completely new to) it was even harder for me. I
would love to literally sit out there and watch the process of photosynthesis occur
before my eyes – but then I might loose it, and get a sunburn (positive?).
Seriously, most veggie plants take 60-80 days from the day of planting to
produce its first harvest. That means you might not see a pepper or squash for
over 2 months after planting. It’s OK – these little guys are just putting down
roots – I promise you’ll be able to make your famous ratatouille in no time!
Consistency in Care
Gardens are look babies (maybe more like dogs? We are
getting there) – they need consistent care. You can’t just decide to plant one
Sunday and then leave your little buddies high and dry as you head out to
Coachella for the long weekend. In the beginning (at least on the west coast)
they need a lot of water. Remember, you are introducing these plants to their
new environment and trying to get them to stick there. Once the watering dies
down (again – definitely regional but I went from watering once a day for 2
weeks to every 2 days now), you’ll have to start worry about things like:
keeping the buggies away with some special organic spray, pulling weeds,
turning the soil so it doesn’t rot or turn into clay, and getting rid of dead
leaves and branches. As you care for your plants be sure to observe – not all
plants are created equal and some require more/less love than others. For
example, I need to trim my herbs all the time and keep them out of full sun
whereas the zucchini plants grow like a weed with little to no issues.
Start Easy and Local
I know you want to be the next Farm to Table phenomenon but
start easy and start local. Meaning, chose plants that have a higher chance of
producing harvest and don’t require a crazy amount of maintenance to do so (kumquats,
anybody?). Also chose plants that will do well in your area. On the east coast
it might be onions and potatoes but on the west coast it might be peppers and
squash. Seeing your first harvest will get your confidence up while you learn
the ropes of gardening – you can do this!! I promise, when you pull that first
harvest and cook a meal fully with veggies and herbs from your garden it will
be all worth it. The joy from taking care of something that can yield food so
fresh and delicious right from your backyard has completely changed my
perception of gardening – and now I’m hooked. J
Xoxo
- AM
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