So, You Want to Plant a Garden?

You guys…!

I think we made it.

I can see it. I can smell it. And, – on good days- I can even feel it.

I think spring is here.

Well, it better be. I started seeds last week and they are already growing out of their starter kits.

A good thing, yes. But, also a weather reality check as it’s only a matter of weeks before the little seedlings move to their summer home, the garden.

In the last week or so I have seen many social media posts sharing images of sprouting veggies and excitement for summer gardens.

I love it because I totally understand: It feels like you just did something magical. You turned a tiny seed into a growing, living, green stem. All in less time than it takes for online shopping packages to find my country doorstep.

But, I also know plenty of people who are on the fence about starting a garden. Almost all of these people that I speak with agree that it sounds wonderful; but, what does it really entail in terms of time, energy, commitment, and more?

Here are six good questions to ask yourself before getting seeds in dirt.

What grows well where I live?

Here’s the deal: I would absolutely love a lemon tree. But, the reality is, Indiana’s short growing season and continuous growing cycle of a lemon tree isn’t a good fit.

Local nursery’s and garden supply stores are good indicators of what grows well in your area. The USDA’s Plant Hardiness zones also help you understand the length of your area’s growing season and what plants will do well.

What do I like to eat?

These are things you should plant.

If you don’t like squash, don’t plant it. Even if kale is totally on trend, but you can’t stomach it, don’t plant it. You will be more apt to care for plants that you are excited to eat. Plus, it also prevents veggies from going to waste.

But, even the most seasoned gardeners will also encourage you to plant one thing to try. This year I plan to get over my fear of butternut squash with five little plants. Wish me luck!

What do I want from my garden?

Do you plan on enjoying fresh summer veggies only or do you want to put things up for winter?

This will help you determine how much to plant. Canning and freezing vegetables, like beans and tomatoes, is awesome because you can enjoy them throughout the winter months. Plants like potatoes and carrots can stay fresh for months in a cool, dry place.

But, enjoying tomatoes the whole month of August or asparagus all spring is the greatest introduction to learning to eat seasonally. Do what makes sense to you.

Where is the garden going to go?

For the most part, garden plants only need a bit of space, water, and sun to grow well.

Many plants will be just fine in containers on the patio and you can even work edible pieces into your landscaping. Or, if you have the space and you are willing to give up some of your lawn, you can do beds that are either raised or right into the ground.

No matter where the vegetables go you want to make sure it is an accessible space that receives six to eight hours of sunlight and there is a good water source nearby.

How do I want to do this?

Do you want to go the totally organic route? Or would you prefer to use conventional fertilizers and pest control?

Either way is fabulous. You are growing your own food in your own yard!

Either way you are still saving fossil fuels because your produce isn’t being shipped from Argentina and Southern California. You are teaching your kids an amazing skill and your family is learning to eat fresh, seasonal foods.

But, if you do choose to go the organic route you may want to begin to explore composting, natural pest control (such as diatomaceous earth and just good old manual labor) and even begin looking into chickens for natural fertilizers.

How much time can I give the garden?

Gardening is easy, but it isn’t easy.

… Perhaps only gardener’s will understand that.

But, it’s true.

And a caveat here, it all depends on scale. If I let my garden sit for a week, I will be weeding for an hour or two. But, if a gardener with two 8×3 raised garden beds lets things go for a week, they may only need to weed for 20-30 minutes.

But, at the end of the day, every garden requires a little attention. If you can work with the garden at least twenty minutes once or twice a week (with the exception of a couple weekend afternoons where you get everything into the ground or cleaned up for fall) you will be fine.

And, if that seems like too big of a commitment, herbs are a great place to start and CSA’s are wonderful too!