New Place, New Garden. Here’s How to Start!
Maybe you’ve always dreamed of having a backyard or balcony garden. Or perhaps you’re looking to save some money and still eat a bounty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Whatever your reason for starting a garden, we’re not here to judge. Starting a garden is a great thing to do after you move to a new home!
PLANNING YOUR GARDEN
If you just moved, you know a thing or two about planning—or maybe what happens when you don’t! Just like selecting the right long distance mover or Detroit moving services, choosing what to grow is something you’ll want to research.
Special note: if you are starting your new garden in the Detroit area, you should know that you are planting in the USDA Hardiness Zone 6b or 7a. Check this link to see what zone you are in exactly. When choosing items for your garden, make sure you are planting when and what will grow best in your area!
Here are some more tips to follow as you plan your new garden:
- Check out where in your yard is the best place to plant. Where does the sun hit most? Which areas don’t seem to get a lot of light—those areas are not the best place to grow veggies or fruit.
- While you might want to grow everything you love at first, try to limit your initial plantings to a few select things—string beans, radishes, dill and zucchini all are great choices!
- Make sure you have the time and resources to care for your garden. Going on a month-long vacation this summer? Unless you have a house-sitter, this might not be the year to start a huge vegetable garden. Don’t have a watering can or hose? You will want to make sure you have your watering situation figured out before you start.
PLANTING IDEAS
Think about how large your garden plot is and what sort of produce you want to eat. Most vegetables will need full sun to flourish, but there are some that will do well in partial shade or full shade. Ask your local nursery employee for recommendations, and make sure to read the requirements on your seed packets. to eat it, doesn’t mean that you should grow this in your new garden the first year.
Now, this should be a no-brainer, but only grow what you want to eat! If you don’t like spinach, no one says you have to grow it! Keep in mind too that you may not be able to eat all that grow, and that’s okay! Friends, family and neighbors are all great people to offer your garden’s bounty to! It can also be a great way to introduce yourself to your new neighbors.
(When you’re spending time outside in the summer, mosquitoes are bound to be there with you. Here are some tips for getting those mosquitoes to stop bugging you!)
GROWING SEASONS—LONG VS. SHORT
Some plants, like peas and lettuce, grow very quickly. It’s almost like they are instantaneous! While other plants pumpkins, peppers and tomatoes take a little longer to grow. Whatever you plant will have the average amount of time it takes to grow right there on the back of the seed pack or on the information stake. It’s fun to scatter your growing season so there’s always something ready to harvest!
PLANTS VS SEEDS
Starting your garden from seed is definitely a cost-effective way of gardening, but it can take a while to grow. If you’re starting your garden early in the season, seeds are a great way to start. However, if you’re planning your plots a littler later in the growing season, already-sprouted seedlings and plants can be the way to go.
LABEL OR MAP
You don’t have to do anything crazy with your labels (or you definitely can, if you like), but make sure you know what’s growing where. Simple popsicle sticks with the crop written on it will do the trick, or keep a paper “map” of what you’re growing in your garden.
RAISED GARDEN BEDS
If your new home is in Detroit, raised garden beds might be better than in-ground gardens. Several home improvement stores sell raised gardens, some even already assembled. Or, check online for plans to build your own!
If you’re building your own or buying from someone, avoid pressure-treated lumber. Kiln-dried cedar is your best bet for edible plants, and—bonus—cedar lasts a long time too!
ENJOY YOURSELF
While a garden full of veggies, fruits and herbs is awesome to nibble from, keep in mind that no one expects you to be Farmer Brown, especially starting out! Remember that you’re starting a garden because it’s supposed to be fun! Many people find the process relaxing and satisfying. The home-grown food is a bonus.
MAKING THE MOVE
A new garden is a wonderful thing to have in your new backyard. If you’re in the process of finding that new backyard, the right movers from Detroit can help make your life easier! When you’re looking for a Michigan moving company, you can’t do better than All Around Moving & Storage. Give them a call at 734-535-7410 or click here to get your free moving quote! Are you moving out of Michigan altogether? We are an agent of National Van Lines and we can move you anywhere in the United States! Looking to introduce solar panels to your home? Read this article from our friends at Lee’s Moving.
