Getting a Small Kitchen Garden Started
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Tips on Growing Your Own Kitchen Garden
There are a lot of advantages to growing your own kitchen garden. It’s fun, and they don't even require that much space. So why aren’t you growing one already?
What is better than producing your own herbs and vegetables?
Do you know what looks prettier than seldom-used chairs in a backyard? Healthy and colorful vegetables. Kitchen gardens are gaining popularity worldwide, and people can’t get over how easy it is to start one. Even if you live in a flat and have no space to work with, worry not. We will show you how to create a container or hanging garden. Can it get more fun?
Getting Started - The Plan
Proper planning allows you to focus on the aesthetics of your garden as well.
Before you start gathering your seeds and tools, you must create a plan that details what you want and how you want it. Creating a kitchen garden layout plan helps maximize production, design your space, plan for weather changes, and create a gardening routine. Planning ahead allows you to create a vegetable season calendar, meaning your garden will have produce throughout the year.
Knowing When to Plant What
To be honest, growing kitchen garden vegetables can be pretty frustrating if they are planted at the wrong time. You'll always be looking up 'mykitchen garden is a mess.’
Proper timing allows your plants to grow through the most favorable condition, thus maximizing productivity.
To increase your seed germination rate, you must pay attention to your zone. Different areas fall under different climatic zones, meaning seasons tend to change quickly and abruptly. So, learning where you live allows you to understand what plants are best suited for the region and the best sowing time.
If you have trouble figuring this information, then a planting calendar will be an important tool. You could buy a physical one or download it. They offer insight into best planting times, pests and diseases, all-around kitchen garden plants, and seasonal garden tasks. Basically, a planting calendar is a partner and helper you need.
The Tools
Generally, kitchen gardening doesn’t require a wide selection of farm tools. Minimalism is a great way to reduce the workload during preparation and maintenance. Basic kitchen garden tools may include a seedling tray, a garden trowel, a watering can and planting containers.
For starters, determine the amount of space you want to be working with, whether it's your backyard or the balcony. This means getting your pots, containers, and planters if you're working in enclosed spaces. When selecting these tools, pay attention to their drainage ability, porosity, and their weight.
Regardless of where you chose to plant, ensure there is proper drainage and aeration.
Drainage - Proper drainage allows breathing room for the roots and prevents the plant from drowning.
Porosity - The containers should be made of materials that allow air and moisture to flow through.
Weight - Heavy containers are heavy to manipulate, which gets worse once they're filled up with wet soil.
The Process
Now that everything else is in place, it's time to get started on your kitchen garden.
Determine what you'll be planting depending on the season, and then shop around for the seeds. You can get them from farmer's stores, online stores, or simply get your own seeds from your kitchens, such as chilies and tomatoes.
Alternatively, you can get seedlings from commercial nurseries for herbs and vegetables such as kale, lettuce, oregano, cilantro, rosemary, and spinach. If you are really pressed for space, opt for dwarf plant varieties instead.
To grow your seeds to seedlings, add equal amounts of soil and vermicompost to a basket, then sow your seeds evenly across the surface.
Cover with a light layer of soil and water. Depending on the plant, it takes about two weeks for the seeds to sprout. The seedlings will be ready for transplanting in about 30 - 45 days.
Depending on the plant, you can sow the seeds directly or chose to use seedlings instead.
Before you transplant the seedlings, ensure the planting area has been tilled, rid of vegetation, and fertilized.
Water your nursery before you start transplanting to prevent breakage. Gently pull out the seedlings, or you can scoop them up with a trowel.
How you space your kitchen garden plants will depend on the type and the area you're working with. Typically, vegetables are spaced 1ft apart.
Use a stick to make holes 2 inches deep and gently place the seedlings. Cover lightly and water them. If you're in a hot zone, mulch or cover your seedlings to prevent wilting.
If you've planted creeping plants such as strawberries and tomatoes, staking them will prevent the stems from breaking and the fruits from rotting. This also keeps your kitchen garden indoor space neat.
Maintenance
Once your seedlings have taken root, weeds will also start growing and competing with your plants. In small spaces, simply pull out the weeds with your hands. Alternatively, work around the plants using a trowel to remove weeds, but be careful not to damage the plants. Certain kitchen garden herbs such as peppermint, oregano, perilla, parsley, and garlic can be used to fight off weeds.
(Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/landscape-nature-farm-plant-1743484/)
Weed your plants to prevent competition for nutrients and space.
(Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/landscape-nature-farm-plant-1743484/)
You should fertilize your plants once they start to flower. You can use vermicompost or farmyard manure. Add a handful of the fertilizer around the base of the plants, then mix with the soil.
Biogas slurry can also be used as liquid fertilizer, but ensure you dilute it first. Continue to water your plants as necessary and pull out any weeds. In open spaces, shade your plants from hot weather.
Involve your family in this process and allow the young ones to help out. If possible, spare a small patch or extra container for them to grow their own plants.
Conclusion
Kitchen gardens are a great way of utilizing your space and time, and they also help you eat healthily. If implemented properly, kitchen gardens can save you money.
What are some of your gardening hacks and tips? Drop us a comment below. We would love to hear from you!
Author’s Bio:
Kevin is a content writer for about 3 years. He studied Design and Arts at College in Pennsylvania. A fan of home interior design and, he has taken it upon himself to spread his love for decorating homes by informing people on some of his ideas through his articles.
