Gardening has become a growing trend over the past five years or so. This can be attributed to the need for people to know where their food comes from and the increased campaign against chemically grown vegetables and fruits. Almost everyone wants to have an organic garden, but the setup and growth process seems too daunting. Hence, the innovation of instant gardens that offer the same benefits as conventionally nurtured gardens. If you are planning to start an instant garden, here is how to do it right.
How to get an instant garden
Size
The first step should be determining the amount of space you have. Remember your instant garden requires similar conditions as any conventional garden in order to thrive. Therefore, look for an area that has good drainage and adequate direct sunlight.
Depending on your speed and available manpower, an instant garden takes about 6 to 8 hours to set up. You simply mark the area you choose to use, dig it out, add organic compost and plant your chosen organic seeds. Your instant garden should have a fence that may be three to eight feet high to ward off animals and birds. The fence can be a mesh wire supported by poles at the corners and middle. Mesh wire allows the much-needed air circulation and sunlight while keeping animals at bay.
No-dig instant gardening option
Digging is a nightmare to most first-time gardeners. Well, there are no-dig gardening options that work perfectly. Cover your selected area with cardboard or layers of wet newspaper. Add a few inches of shredded leaves, grass clippings or weed-free straw/ hay. With the help of a hand trowel, pull back the mulch and cut away sod to create a good and even planting area. Open up holes for planting stocky transplants like peppers, eggplant, tomatoes, herbs, cucumbers and any other transplants you may want to grow.
Follow-up
Once your instant garden is complete, check up on it often and maintain it by watering or offering any nutrients your vegetables may need to thrive. Instant gardens are permanent and can offer good yields just like regular gardens would. All you need to do is take care of your garden and save the trips and cash spent in grocery stores.
Always make sure that your plants are planted in the right place. Be vigilant about watering until your plants are fully developed. The initial care determines the type of yield you get from your instant garden. Be keen to notice early signs of stress due to lack of water and if it has not rained for a while, give your establishing plants a thorough soak mainly at the base of the stems.
Instant gardens are designed for every homeowner who would like to enjoy vegetables from their garden. Chemicals in food are detrimental to everyone’s health. Thus, it is best to remain safe by planting and knowing the source of the food you consume. Hence the need to embrace gardening has never been easier; you can plant without having to dig.
