The world\'s population has been on the rise. There is also a constant concern about food scarcity and the necessity to enhance food production and buffer reserves. In preparation for the worst-case scenario, governments around the world, particularly those countries with widespread hunger and food shortages, are implementing a variety of counter-strategies to meet rising food demand and avoid food insecurity. Consequently, there is much attention towards home food production.
In recent years, there has been a surge in interest in home gardens and the "farm to plate" concept. Home gardens are an important component of the local food chain. An approach that has stood the test of time in the agricultural landscapes of developed countries. Food production in a small plot of land or even laid-out pots on a home terrace is the oldest and most endearing form of food cultivation.
Want to start a garden but aren\'t sure where to begin? This post will teach you the basics of home gardening so you can get started with confidence.
Pick Your Space
The very first thing that should concern your home gardening plans is the place you want to plant your crops. It could be anything from an empty spot in your garden to a terrace with ample space to put a bunch of plant pots and grow bags. Make sure the spot receives adequate sunlight - at least 5-6 hours - and has a direct supply of water. Not to mention, a space sufficient for your young plants and saplings to stay hidden from strong winds.
Work On Your Soil
Soils provide the nutrients, water, oxygen, and root support that plants require to develop and thrive. Begin by examining the structure of the soil you have. It should be simple to shovel and crumble in your hands. If you have soil with a clay-like structure, consider amending it using coco peat or sand. The rocky soil should be tilled and the rocks removed. Improving soil quality is difficult labor, but it pays off handsomely. Begin by using pre-made soil mixes and go from there. Before you begin planting, a healthy dose of fertilizer should be applied. A nutrient-rich fertilizer is always readily available at local home gardening stores, but you can always buy fertilizer online for convenience.
Pick Your Plants
Are you a veggie person or like to be surrounded by the aroma of flowers and herbs? Once you have identified the space you will be planting on and amended the soil, it is time to pick your seeds. The first rule of growing your food is, "If you won\'t eat it, don\'t grow it." If you\'re thinking about starting a vegetable garden, start by planting what you eat regularly. Research the temperature requirements of each food, and if feasible, speak with successful gardeners in your area to learn what works for what. Not to mention, choose seeds from reliable and reputable suppliers to reap the advantages of your efforts.
Grab Your Gardening Tools
Working in your garden becomes a pleasure rather than a chore when you have the right tools. Basic hand tools such as pruners, clippers, rakes, trowels, garden forks, water sprinklers and hand shovels should be on your shopping list. Invest in metal tools rather than cheap plastic ones, and keep them clean and sharp to ensure long shelf life. When it comes to planting or weeding your garden, good tools will save you time and effort.
Plan It Out & Start Planting
Before getting your hands dirty, start by planning your crop schedule and the place you will be planting your crop in. If you have a large garden area, you can easily install garden beds or plant directly in the ground. Map out where every plant will go and label each area to identify the crops planted.
Nurture with Fertilisers
As the saying goes, "Fertilisers are a gardener\'s old friends". Start with organic composting and nutrient-rich fertilisers. It can range from tea bags to ground coffee to grass clippings to crushed fruit peels. You can also buy fertilizers online to provide your plants with the nutrients they require.
There\'s nothing quite like fresh vegetables and fruits straight from your garden. The juicy, fresh, flavorful produce that you can pluck and place directly on your plate. Starting your home garden is a worthwhile endeavor. Even if you are not a gardening expert, there is no doubt that you will reap the benefits of your efforts if you plan, choose the right plants, and provide your soil with the necessary nutrients. Begin with simple vegetables such as tomatoes, radishes, spinach, and salad leaves. Once you\'ve mastered these, you can progress to more time-consuming and labor-intensive crops.