What do you need to start your home garden?

Every avid gardener dream is - a lush green balcony or even a small home garden blooming with herbs, vegetables, and flowers. Digging a home garden is rewarding and adventurous. But if you want to get your hands dirty, you need to know the gardening steps, tools, and maintenance tips. 

In this article, we are going to cover some basic know-how steps for you to start your own thriving plant paradise. 

How to start your home garden?

Determine your climatic conditions

The home garden's success depends on your region's climatic condition. For example, some plants thrive well in a temperate climate, and others require frosty areas. Add native plants- a.k.a plants that are indigenous to your area. Your garden will not only thrive but also will be home to charming birds, insects & other creatures. 

Think about vegetables or plants that you want to grow

After researching the native plants that can be grown in the given climatic conditions, start deciding on what kind of vegetables, herbs, or flowers you want to grow in your home garden. Create a blueprint for the same in your mind. You can grow each one, or a combination will make your garden look stunning, but the maintenance requirements may differ. A caution- don't go overboard, especially when you don't know what you are getting into. (Our tip- start with two to three plants utmost for the starting few months)

Some of the best home plants to grow

• Snake plant- needs little sunshine, water & is easy to look after.
• Monstera- thrives in warm & humid climates, so it is ideal to grow in India. They can grow up to large sizes but their growth can be controlled with the help of the size of the pot. 
• Baby rubber plant- this low-maintenance, humid-loving plant will be a great addition to your house plant collection. 
• Coriander/dhaniya- have a bright sunny spot in your home? Then consider growing your own coriander. Just remember not to over-water them. 
• Curry leaves- This plant also loves to have a good sunlight bath all year round (except summers). 

Select the spot for gardening

Almost all plants need sunlight to grow. So, pick a spot in your yard that is exposed to receive full/partial sun. Don't worry if your yard receives little sunlight. There are many plants, like ferns, that you can grow with little light. You can ask advice from the nursery's staff to help you understand more. Select a flat spot for your garden to grow crops because it is challenging and time-consuming to grow plants in a sloping area.

Start collecting the garden essentials

Using the right garden tools will make gardening a fun process rather instead of a chore. Collect basic gardening essentials that are required to start your garden from scratch.

Tools that are necessary for gardening

• A hand-held trowel: It is a must-have equipment for gardening tasks, including digging small holes, transplanting seedlings, etc. If you are new to it, buy entry-level equipment with a solid metal blade and wooden handle. 
• Pruning shears: Whether harvesting or cutting down those extra weeds, you require a set of pruning shears.

• Water hose pipe: A hose pipe is necessary if you are digging the ground to put the plants. The sprayer attachment will control water flow and pressure. If you are using pots, a watering can is the best bet because it is feathery to carry.

• Gardening gloves: Gardening gloves prevent blisters and scratches and keep your hands tidy. 

• Garden rakes: are made from long wood handles and are more durable than leaf rakes. It is used for grass clipping and to create smooth ground while removing unwanted weeds.

• Pots: Potted plants bring in more versatility than creating a soil bed. You can move the plants easily and can change the layout. While selecting the pots, pay attention to.

• Color- it should blend well with the natural surroundings.
• Quality

To achieve the best results, pick earthen pots from Vareesha 

• Manure- Manure is a valuable soil that nourishes plants with necessary nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium for their growth.

Plant the crop

Some plants, like pansies and tomatoes, thrive well in winter; others need autumn or spring to stay tall, so be sure to read the planting time and harvesting time written on the seed packets. Follow the instructions to improve the production.

Maintain the garden

As the garden starts to grow, you can help it reach its full potential by maintaining it. 

Water the plants regularly

While it is a common belief that watering plants nourish them, understanding the right time is necessary to grow specific varieties of plants. For example, most plants require 1 inch of water per week so that the top soil stays moist and not soggy. You should water them in the morning when the temperature is cool. Avoid mid-day watering, as it will evaporate quickly and evening watering because it makes the soil a breeding ground for fungi.

Remove the weeds from the plants

The weeds rob moisture and nutrients from the plants, making them wither.  

Use fertilizers & manure

The fertilizers help the plants to bloom but apply them 6 inches above the base because when fertilizer comes in direct touch with the plant, it can cause plant or root rotting. Immediately water it to dilute the soil nutrients.

Sometimes the fertilizer & manure can be on the little expensive side, so try creating your own DIY fertilizer & manure. Click here for detail information regarding the same.

Enjoy the blooming garden

At last, the fruit of patience is always sweet. With your hardwork & patience you’ll be able enjoy a blooming garden. Growing your own plants may seem a daunting task, but with time you’ll start getting hold of it. Our main tip is to start small, if it is your first time don’t try to get overboard on your plant collection. Try to take sometime off your busy schedule every week to take care & groom your plants. 

Note:- Did you know that "Terracotta vs. Ceramic Pots", Which is the best Pot for Your Plants