Whether you have a large outdoor space or a small plot of land, using it to grow your own fruit and vegetables is both satisfying and healthy.
From apples to aubergines, there are so many things you could cultivate in a garden allotment, but first you have to get your plot ready and have the right equipment to make sure your efforts are a success.
Read on for tips on how to get prepared.
Getting the right tools
It goes without saying that having the right tools for the job will make your gardening life so much easier, not to mention more enjoyable.
While you may be tempted to be frugal when it comes to selecting the right implements, the better the quality, the more chance they will last and that they will do the intended task well. Essential items for every garden include a spade, long-handled fork, secateurs, gardening knife, wheelbarrow and watering can.
Photo by: Michelle Conlon
Don’t be afraid to test them in the shop to check that the weight and length of the handle are both suitable for you. Prolong their life by keeping them sharp and clean, which means wiping over them after each use.
Caring for your soil
Before you rush into planting anything in your garden, you have to make sure the ground is at its optimum for growth.
Soil is everything when it comes to gardening and the condition of it can make or break the success of your fruit and veg. Most garden varieties are going to need some care and cultivation to get them ready, so be patient.
Adding organic material, such as manure, peat and compost will all help to improve soil quality, while organic fertilisers are also beneficial.
Eliminate weeds and create a bed in which to plant your seeds, then it’s time to work the soil with a rake – but only do this when it’s dry enough to crumble easily, never when it’s saturated with water.
Investing in storage
Since you’re going to be investing in good garden tools, it’s also worth making sure you have somewhere safe to store them. There are a variety of sheds for sale – in different shapes and sizes – which can provide a secure place for all your implements.
Photo by: Asgard Storage
This is also an ideal solution for keeping your outdoor living space clear and clutter free, so that when it comes to relaxing and entertaining you can enjoy your garden without discarded tools getting in the way!
Starting early
Getting the basics in place is important if you want your fruit and vegetables to thrive, but there’s nothing to say you can’t make an early start indoors.
Planting tomatoes in pots and keeping them indoors will help you get a good head start before the weather reaches its optimum outside. Keep them in a sunny spot (a grow light can help if you’re house isn’t naturally bright) then move them outdoors and into soil when conditions are favourable.
