ORLANDO, Fl. – Whether you’re a first-timer or a gardening pro, I’ve got a few fun tips to share on how to prep your garden for a successful summer harvest.
1. Clean up the garden beds (Out with the old!)
First things first: Clear out all the old stuff. I spent a good afternoon pulling up dead plants and weeds and raking away fallen leaves from last season. It’s not glamorous, but trust me, it makes a world of difference! Plus, it keeps pests and diseases from sticking around.
2. Test your soil (Healthy soil = happy plants)
So, this year, I finally tested my soil (I know, I know, I should’ve done it sooner!). It’s super easy to grab a soil test kit from any garden store or online. I was surprised to find that my soil needed a little love, so I mixed in some compost and organic matter. Healthy soil is key, and your plants will thank you when they start growing strong and tall!
Fun Tip: Composting is a game-changer! If you’re not composting yet, now’s a great time to start! I’ve been adding my kitchen scraps to a compost bin, and it’s amazing how much better the soil gets. Plus, it’s eco-friendly, and there’s something oddly satisfying about turning food scraps into garden gold.
3. Pick the right veggies
I’ve been thinking about what I want to harvest in the summer, so I planted some warm-weather crops like tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers. I also tossed in a few herbs—basil and mint for those fresh summer salads and cocktails. If you’re just starting, cool-weather crops like lettuce, spinach, and peas are great to plant now. They grow fast and can handle a little chill, so you’ll have them ready in no time.
Do’s:
- Plant cool-weather crops like lettuce, spinach, and peas for a quick harvest.
- Wait until after the last frost to plant warm-weather crops like tomatoes, peppers, and squash.
Don’ts:
- Don’t overcrowd your plants! They need space to grow and breathe.
- Don’t ignore the weather—spring can be tricky, so be ready for unexpected rainstorms.
4. Water smartly
Watering is one of those things I’ve had to learn the hard way. Overwater and your plants will drown; underwater and they’ll dry up. So, I’ve been sticking to a routine—early morning or late evening watering works best for me. If you’ve got a drip irrigation system, you’re golden! It delivers water straight to the roots where it’s needed most.
Fun tip — rain barrel FTW: I’ve started using a rain barrel to collect water from my roof, and it’s been a total game-changer. It’s super eco-friendly, and it feels good knowing I’m saving water while my plants stay hydrated.
5. Keep pests in check
Gardening means you’ll have to face a few pests along the way. I’ve already spotted a couple of aphids, but nothing I can’t handle with some neem oil and a little elbow grease. Don’t let bugs take over—stay on top of them with natural remedies like diatomaceous earth, or just pluck the little critters off by hand.
6. Enjoy the process
Here’s the best part: Gardening is supposed to be fun! I’ve been trying to make time to just chill in the garden, grab a coffee, and take in the progress. There’s nothing like watching something you’ve planted bloom and grow into something amazing. It’s a pretty zen experience—and perfect for those stress-filled days.
