If you're like most gardeners, you probably have a routine that you keep to manage your garden. If you're new to gardening, you may still be wondering what exactly should that routine be? Here, we'll share some general routines, and you can add some of your own great ideas to hone your routine!
Watering
Watering is one of the first things that come to mind when people think of gardening. Just how often should you water your plants? This answer depends on a variety of factors, including the type of plant, the time of year, and the climate you live in. In general, most plants need to be watered about once a week. However, during hot weather or if your plants are in a sunny spot, they may need to be watered more often.
Plowing and Mulching
Mulching is another important part of plant care. Mulch helps to retain moisture in the soil, which can be beneficial during hot weather or periods of drought. It also helps to keep weeds at bay. There are many different types of mulch available, including organic options like wood chips or straw, and inorganic options like gravel or stone. You can also make your own mulch by composting leaves, grass clippings, and vegetable scraps.
When it comes to plowing, the timing depends on what you're trying to achieve. For example, if you're trying to control weeds, you'll want to plow before they have a chance to germinate. If you're trying to prepare a seedbed for planting, you'll want to wait until the soil is dry enough to be worked. As a general rule of thumb, early spring or fall are generally the best times to plow. How you plow will depend on the size of your garden. Some folks use a push plow, but others find it easier to consult with a company like Bane-Welker Equipment to discuss residential garden equipment options. This is especially useful for those who have a passion for gardening, but working soil is physically not an option for them.
Fertilizing
Keeping your soil rich and healthy is important for the growth and health of your plants. Fertilizing can help to replenish nutrients that have been used up by your plants. How often you need to fertilize depends on the type of fertilizer you're using, as well as the type of plants you have. In general, most plants need to be fertilized about once a month.
Weeding
Weeds can compete with your plants for space, water, and nutrients. Therefore, it's important to stay on top of weed control in your garden. Depending on the size of your garden and the number of weeds, you may need to weed every day, or you may only need to weed once a week. It's important to watch your garden and adjust your weeding schedule as needed because the old saying "growing like a weed" is true!
Now, we've hashed out the basics for establishing a garden routine. Remember, these are just guidelines and you can adjust your routine as needed to fit your particular garden. With a little trial and error, you'll find what works best for you and your plants!
