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May is almost over and though the weather has not been at its best, avid gardeners might have already made a start. Now would be the perfect time to start growing our own veggies. There are many plants that can easily grow in the prairies that do not require too much work. Beets, beans, peas, spinach, kale, Swiss chard and green onions are just a few options.
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If you’re new at planting or are not quite sure about how to get started with your gardening project, here are a few tips that are really useful:
Start small
I have always said “maybe next year” when it comes to growing my own veggies or flowers as I find it quite overwhelming. Some yards that I pass by in the summer have beautiful flower beds that I wish I could have, though it is a challenge for me as I don’t have hours and hours to spend tending the yard. I have been advised to start small. I always thought that you had to have a huge space to work with but have since found out all I really need to get started is a small area, raised bed or a few old pots that are collecting dust.
Get to know your garden
Take a look around your yard and get to know where the areas of shade and sun traps are. This should help you pick certain areas that will work better when you are choosing what to plant.
Read the labels
Sounds really obvious, but make sure you read the labels on the seed packets. It’s important that they are not buried too deep or close together.
Keep Track
“Don’t get too carried away!” I had my ideas rolling when someone made a very good point. Keep track of what you have actually planted and where you have positioned it. Make little waterproof labels to put in your bed and pots.
Mix Perennials & Annuals
I’ll be honest, I’ve often heard people talk about their perennials and annuals but never really knew what they were referring to. I have been educated! So perennials are plants that come back each year and annuals only last for one season. I was advised to go with a mix of both for longevity.
As I was researching, I found that there are classes that you can take. Calgary Horticultural Society offers workshops. Saskatoon School of Horticulture is another. There are a variety of free and paid classes. I found a few at Salisbury Greenhouse in Edmonton and found this site for Parkland Garden Centre in Red Deer too.
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Next stop….the garden centre, where hopefully I will have a better knowledge of what I’m looking for.
