If you are a beginning gardener, I recommend the website “Gardening in Utah” by the Utah State University Extension Service. (extension.usu.edu/yardandgarden/htm/gardening-tips). They have tips to get you started now, in April and early May. Some tips from this website include:
- Start by removing weeds from the old garden spot and flower beds. This will help eliminate those seeds waiting to be deposited into the ground.
- Start a compost pile.
- Plant semi-cool crops
- And many more.
Many urban dwellers have limited open ground. Consider planting a crop of your favorite vegetable or herb in a pot or in an ornamental flower bed. Begin small and expand from there as space allows.
Most importantly, get started. The USU Extension Website also includes information on:
- A variety of fertilizing options.
- Preparing the soil for planting.
- Varieties of vegetables and herbs that do well in Utah.
- Weed control.
- Water use and how to develop a drip irrigation system.
- Composting recommendations.
What benefits do you enjoy from growing your own items?
- Good nutrition is easier to manage if healthy foods are available. Most find they eat more fresh vegetables if they are grown in their own yard. In addition, freshly harvested produce has increased nutritional value and you have control over the chemicals added into your diet.
- Fresh herbs add wonderful flavor when preparing foods and growing your own will save you a trip to the store.
- Most garden produce can also be harvested and frozen for future use
- Stress relief and a healthier heart