Gardening Tips

Starting with the basics is key for beginner gardeners. You will make mistakes and learn as you go. Prepare your soil by ensuring it's well-draining and nutrient-rich. Add compost, manure, and peat to build up soil. Also keep in mind some plants thrive with more gravel and sand in the soil and with a little less water such Rosemary, Lavender, and Thyme. When planting, follow spacing recommendations but you might be able to crowd some plants slightly, especially if they are different heights. This help prevent space for weeds and grass taking over. And remember to water regularly while avoiding overwatering to prevent root rot. Watch for signs of distress, yellowing, and mold as clues you need to adjust watering amounts and schedules. 

In a small garden, maximize space by growing vertically when possible. Train trailing plants to grow up, giving you room at the base for low growers. Consider companion planting to naturally deter pests and enhance growth. Container gardening is also a great option for limited space, allowing you to grow herbs and veggies in pots on patios or balconies. Consider how you will use or enjoy the plants and fill prime space with those most important to you, then add from there. My personal preference is to plant a little closer than is often recommended so there is less space for weeds to get a foothold. At the same time, some plants need more growing space and air circulation to prevent powdery mildew. Always check to see how big the plant should become and ensure it has space to reach that size. 

Bring the freshness of your garden to your table with creative decor ideas. Use herb garnishes to add flavour and visual appeal to dishes. That includes everything from desserts, casseroles, and vegetables, to meats and pasta dishes. Create edible centerpieces with fruits and veggies. Be sure to grow some edible flowers that can be added to charcutterie boards, baked goods, and more. Explore farm-to-table recipes that highlight your homegrown produce. And don't forget to set seasonal table settings that reflect the bounty of your garden. Your garden harvests can be both tasty and beautiful! 

As the days grow shorter, and the warm glow of autumn embraces the new fall colors, the garden is slowly becoming more quiet as it prepares for a long winter nap. Leaves are turning and dropping more each day. The last of the big green tomatoes and peppers are racing to ripen before the first freeze of the season. Flowers are feeding frantic bees who are finding less food these days. I love packing my gardens full of flowers of all kinds for them to enjoy, and I enjoy watching them buzz around still during warm autumn days. There will be much work in harvesting the last of the herbs for drying so I can use them in my teas, tinctures, and oil infusions for many of our products. I've been gathering and drying all season, and I'm always sad when there is none left or the first freeze says we are finished. Seeds are begging to be gathered so I can start all over again in early spring in my greenhouse. I gather seeds all summer, but autumn is when I really gather the most. I gather seeds from almost every flower, herb, and vegetable to ensure I have plenty for next year. Then I'll be mulching dried plants and preparing the gardens, pots, and beds for the winter. I will plant some cold weather crops and some seeds which need the cold winter months in order to sprout in the spring. I love autumn and all of it's joys.