Gardening is an enjoyable venture that not only offers an opportunity to exercise but also edible results in the long run. Additionally, you get to reduce your dependence on grocery stores that sometimes stock products that are not grown organically. But, how do you ensure that you get bountiful harvests from your garden? Whether you rely on raised beds, indoor gardens or a small gardening space, you are entitled to a bountiful harvest if you invest adequate time and resources. Here are a few gardening tips to help you maximize your harvest.
Small spaces
Small gardening spaces range from balconies to window seals. Though most potential gardeners out rule the possibility of practicing successful gardening in such spaces, they offer less demanding gardening experiences. This is because, insects, weeds, and pests are less likely to attack such small and well-maintained spaces. But how do you practice successful gardening in small spaces?
Seek adequate sunlight: small space gardening practiced on balconies should be determined by the amount of sunlight an area receives. As such, you should determine the amount of sunlight your balcony area receives and plant crops that will thrive under the limited or adequate sun exposure. Plants like spinach, lettuce, and peas thrive in slightly shaded areas.
Feed the soil: every crop is nutrient hungry and requires beneficial nutrients drawn from the soil to thrive. So, ensure that the soil you use in containers or raised beds is nutrient rich and healthy. You can mix the soil with organic or homemade compost before adding it in containers or raised beds.
The yard
The front or back yards are highly preferred gardening locations because of their accessibility and ease of manipulation.
High-value crops: the term high value, in this case, is subjective. But, growing crops that are costly to purchase makes more sense if your yard is small. You get to save more money as compared to when you would have grown less expensive crops. On the other hand, the value can also represent your favorite crops that you cannot cook without or live without. Choose crops that will help you save more money and are compatible with your area’s climatic conditions.
High yield crops: high yield crops are specific to different growth areas. Meaning that crops that give high yields in one area and fewer yields in another. Therefore, you should seek advice from local gardeners to determine crop varieties that are known to grow and offer high yields within your region. You should also be open to embracing traditionally bred, hybrids and classic crop varieties. This is because some crops like sweet peppers need to be disease resistant and able to mature fast for you to maximize your harvest. But, most vegetables do not require hybridization to thrive and offer maximum harvests.
Summary
Gardening is a skill that can be implemented anywhere despite space challenges. You just need to choose the right crops that will thrive in your area, understand how to care for the crops and above all, care for the soil. Prior research and consultation are required for first-time gardeners.
