Planting a small garden can add aesthetic appeal and functionality to a property. Kitchen gardens are not only a great use for extra back yard space,they also make tasty cooking more convenient as you can grow your own herbs, fruits and veggies which are within an arm’s length and those trips to the market will be things of the past.
There are a few things you will need to buy if you do not already have, before you embark on this gardening journey. Planting tools such as a spade, a hoe, gardening gloves, a garden hose, a wheelbarrow or bucket and a watering just to mention a few. You might also need to invest in a hat that will keep you shielded from the sun on those hot days.
It is important to know when long and short rains are so as to keep alert to the weather patterns in your area. Read on, for a few tips on how to get started:
Location.
Picking a spot where you would like to have your kitchen garden is important, as this will determine whether your plants will strive or thrive. A sunny spot, one that gets a good amount of sun will do. Soil type is also key as you want soil that drains well, i.e it doesn’t drain too fast or hold water for too long, so loam soil is ideal. You’ll also need to make sure that the soil is healthy enough to sustain life so adding compost to it will continue to nurture the soil and grow healthy plants.
What to plant.
When deciding what to plant, you must really do your homework and get to know what the plants need in terms of water, soil fertility and temperature; however as a first timer it’s advisable to start small and plant what you like to eat. Growing what you like to eat is rewarding as you will tend to look forward to a bountiful harvest. Crops such as chilies, rosemary,sukumawiki,spinach, cabbage and tomatoes will do well. You could plant these crops from either seeds or seedlings, though seeds are cheaper though they’ll take longer to grow.
Maintaining your garden.
This is easier than you think. To start with, you need to keep your soil healthy by adding mulch in the form of leaves, cut grass or dead weeds to it. This wards off pests and helps keep moisture in the soil. Remember to water your plants regularly especially for the younger plants that haven’t developed a deep root structure yet. Putting up a small fence around your garden will also help keep off birds and other pests. It will also keep your little ones away from wandering into the garden and playing with the soil and your newly planted crops.
The most fulfilling thing about a kitchen garden is that you not only get to see the transformation of seeds to healthy plants right before your very eyes, but you also get to enjoy the fruits of your labor. After seeing what works and what doesn’t, you will know what to plant and what not to consider at all.
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