My Make-A-Garden Activity!
Going outside can reduce stress and boost your overall well-being—which is especially important now, when many of us are at home nearly 24/7. But there’s no need to brave the crowds at a packed park or hiking spot, because your own yard is a great place to enjoy nature while staying safe.
Wait. Your yard isn’t a great place? Or you wish it was a better place?
We can fix that.
I’m a garden coach: I work with clients one-on-one, showing them how to understand and feel more connected to their gardens. Whether you’re a novice or experienced, or anything in between, I can help. (Yes, I coach virtually, too!)
And if you want to get a veggie garden started—a wonderful way to enjoy your yard—you don’t even have to set up a coaching session. Because I’m going to show you how right here!
5 Steps to a Great Veggie Garden
- Find somewhere in your yard or on your deck that will get plenty of sun, 4-7 hours each day. Do you want tomatoes, peppers, or squash? Stay on the higher end of that range, 6-7 hours. If you’re after radishes, lettuce, and other greens, or your space isn’t as sunny, you can get by at the lower end, 4-5 hours of sun.
- Get a container (one with a drain hole, so you don’t end up with a “bathtub” after it rains) and some quality potting soil. But don’t use soil from your garden; it’s too heavy. You don’t need the soil that is “fortified,” either, because that often has not-so-great fertilizer and other stuff. Even though veggies are heavy “feeders,” basic potting soil is fine. I find it is best to add a small amount of balanced organic fertilizer (10-10-10) and some compost (just a couple of handfuls) for microbial activity.
- Add your veggies! Under ideal conditions seeds usually will take 5-7 days to germinate, while it can take a week or two for starts to get established before the action really begins. Whatever you choose, be sure to follow specific recommendations for each type of plant.
- Water, water, water. And if you’re not sure when you should, try this easy test: If the soil is dry when you stick your finger in (to the first knuckle), it’s time. If it’s got enough moisture, check back the next day.
- That’s it! Clean up, grab a drink, and congratulate yourself on starting your garden! (Note: These things can be done in any order you like.)
Free advice!
If you get stuck (and all gardeners do at some point), just send me a message at info@spiritgardendesign.com. Let me know that you decided to start a garden after reading this and I’ll answer your questions with a free 15-minute consultation. Good luck!
Continued coaching
- My coaching ranges from basic garden care to design challenges and beyond. Pruning? Transplanting? Growing your own food? Attracting birds and pollinators? Whatever you need help with—or whatever you want to achieve in your yard—I can provide expert advice and support.
Sessions are one hour each and tailored completely to your property and your needs. Some people like to have a check-in only every so often, while others want to dig in with a package of regular visits.
Whether our visits are in person or virtual in the coming weeks will depend on the fluid situation we’re all facing right now (and your comfort level). But either way works: If I can’t be there, all you need is your phone or tablet to show me around!
Want to learn more? Check out www.spiritgardendesign.com/coaching or follow me on Instagram @spiritgardendesign.
Happy gardening!
