As the delightful smells of spring begin to drift across your yard once again, you may want to show off your botanical prowess by planting a wonderful vegetable garden. By spreading the proper soil and planting a wide variety of seeds, you should be left with a smorgasbord of riches at harvest time. Here are some tips for coaxing along a garden that will become the envy of the neighborhood.
The Perfect Location
You should always choose a location that will give your plants at least six hours of direct sunlight. Tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and leafy green vegetables will do best in full sun. Carrots and other root vegetables, on the other hand, might still be capable of thriving in shadier areas. If you have the time, you might wish to plant gardens in two different sections of the yard.
Watering and Drainage
Adequate watering will be crucial. While you can use a hose for smaller gardens, more extensive planting areas might require an irrigation system. Most sprinklers can be calibrated so that they are only on for a few minutes each evening. You should also ensure that your garden has been planted on a slight slope for proper drainage.
Vegetable Variety
Don’t be afraid to think big. If you’ve been planting the same tomatoes and peppers for years, try to branch out into unfamiliar territory. Beets, spinach, kale, and even watermelon are all good alternative choices. If you love to cook, you might also try planting some herbs. With a bit of dedication, parsley and basil can be fine additions to your spring garden.
Fertilizer and Mulch
Though properly aerated soil is one of the keys to success, you will also need to add fertilizer from time to time. When plants have access to nitrogen and other nutrients, they are likely to do well throughout the growing season. You can also add mulch, peat moss, or homemade compost to help the soil retain moisture.
Flower Power
If you are passionately in love with spring, you might add some flowers to the garden. Daffodils, tulips, and hyacinths are great options. Sunflowers also do well in a variety of soil types and may grow to be several feet tall.
Gardening and Home Appraisal
A spring vegetable garden will ultimately lead to admiring glances from the neighbors. But it could also lead to financial benefits as well. As a real estate agent with 25 years of experience, I have seen how a well-kept garden can improve the selling power of a home. Call me for a complimentary home evaluation, 905-502-1500, or visit my website, www.mcdadi.com.