Save Time, Money & Your Sanity

Hey Friends!

Today on the blog, I'm talking about my top gardening tips I've learned over the last 8 years.

When I first started gardening, I relied a lot on books. I bought so many books in the last few years; I can start a mini library. The first year was all about consuming the information, creating a plan and spending way too much money on seeds. Ya'll seeds are the culprit when you want to start gardening. There will never be enough varieties for you to try. Never! lol It's like "chicken math". You will never have enough chickens.

Clipart Credit : Clipart Dreamscape

GARDENING TIP #1:

Find Your Gardening Zone

This is crucial when growing a garden. The Farmer's Almanac has this information.

GARDENING TIP #2:

Buy & Start Your Own Seeds

Seeds are 100% the way to go if you're wanting to start a garden on a budget. 

The big box store plants are out of this world expensive. Research books and reliable sources with seed starting tips. Then, carefully, start shopping seeds. I say carefully because I promise you will get carried away. It's the price we pay for loving to garden.

GARDENING TIP #3:

Only Plant What You'll Eat

This is an ongoing lesson, even for me, y'all. Let's be honest, I didn't start until this year. It's so easy getting caught up looking at Seed Catalogs, you'll want to grow everything. However, you have to try and have a little self-control because if you buy things you don't know if you will eat but look "pretty", more than likely, you'll waste money, and the seeds will just sit there and lose their quality over time. Plant only vegetables you and your family will eat. It will make you feel like you're successfully growing a valuable garden for your invested time.

For Example: Our family doesn't eat Slicer Tomatoes. So, we won't take up any garden space with them. We do eat Cherry Tomatoes, though. So, this year, we planted just that variety.

GARDENING TIP #4:

Plant Heat Tolerant, Drought Tolerant & Southern Varieties

Lesson has been learned. Planting the proper varieties of vegetables for your zone and

area are key actions to having a successful garden. Down here in South Louisiana, we need heat and drought friendly varieties. Frost Hardy varieties are also good for Fall Gardens.

GARDENING TIP #5:

Use Plastic Forks Near New Sprouts

I've been using the plastic fork method for a couple years now and it works. We have a ton of wild rabbits in our yard that just wait for the garden to go up every year. This protection method has worked wonders, not only keeping rabbits away but also the birds. Place the fork on the side of the sprout and keep them there until the plant grows a little bigger.

BONUS TIP:

Don't Get Discouraged Seeing Other Posts on Social Media

Social media is the cause of many people's anxiety. I used to be the same way but as I get older, the more sense I gain. It comes with age and experience, y'all. This creeps up on us. We all get a little discouraged and start the "I wish" thoughts. The most important thing you can remember when planting a garden is everyone's garden is different. There are so many factors that go into how successful someone's garden grows, and it doesn't matter if they're down the street or 30 min away.

You need to ask yourself:

What area of their yard is the garden?

Does their garden face North or South?

Do they have shade in their garden?

Do they use chemical fertilizers?

Are they watering properly?

So many questions. That's why it's important to do your own research for your area and yard.

There's my Top 5 Gardening Tips + a Bonus, taken from experience to hopefully help you save time and money. If you enjoyed this post, feel free to share on Facebook and make sure you're following our page.

HAPPY GARDENING!