Everyone knows - “Mary, Mary, quite contrary, how does your garden grow? All the flowers, all the colors, all in a perfect row.”
My kids used to love this rhyme, and I would often sing it with them, hoping that they would become interested in gardening. While that did not exactly happen for both my kids, my son would help me out in the garden while growing up. It was one of those things he and I would do on Sundays.
Recently Edgar, my son, came over with his six-year-old daughter Emilie. As we were sitting on the patio and talking, Emilie asked me how I always grow beautiful flowers and vegetables. I was delighted to see the little one ask with such interest in her eyes, and so I briefly explained how gardening works.
Once they left, I decided to make a guide for anyone who has ever asked anybody “how does your garden grow?” Hopefully, these small pointers will make it easier to start your gardening journey.
How Does Your Garden Grow
Elements Of A Growing Garden
When I first started gardening, I was not 100% invested in the process. I would get impatient and keep wondering why there was no visible progress. But over the years, I have realized that in order to make something beautiful, you need to give it time. So, the first piece of advice I gave Emilie was to be patient with it.
My garden became my haven and the one thing I looked forward to as time went on. And as I started to like what I was seeing, I began to put more effort into maintaining it. That is when I also realized what goes into growing a beautiful garden within a short time.
1. Soil
This is definitely one of the things that determine the growth of any plant. You need to know the soil type that you have, and what can be done to enhance its quality. Obviously, it is impossible to know all the contents of the soil unless you’re a professional. However, basic knowledge of how much water and nutrients it needs is a must.
You can also hire a professional to give you a better idea of the soil composition. Moreover, it is possible to make the soil ideal for your plants by adding compost and natural fertilizers, etc.
2. Location
This is another key factor. By location, I do not just mean in the front or back of the house but in terms of water and sunlight. Irrespective of the type of plant, it will need sunlight, and so the garden should be located in a space that has at least 5-6 hours of direct sunlight every day.
That being said, certain plants don’t need the sun for long hours. In case you are planting a mixture of plants, having a design or pattern will be beneficial. Having a pre-planned design will also help in keeping the plants close to a water source.
Water is obviously crucial for plant growth. However, it is essential to remember that it is the quantity of water that matters more. I advise properly researching how much water each plant requires before mindlessly watering everything.
3. Air
It goes without saying that plants cannot be kept in a place with no air. While explaining photosynthesis to Emilie, I also told her that air plays a crucial role in the process. Plants need to be kept either in the open or in a well-ventilated area, depending on the type of garden.
However, I know this is not a guide for children, so here is a tip for the adults. Having plants in the open is good (and often desirable) but excessive wind is bad. If you fear certain plants may tip over or break due to wind, it will help to tie the stem to something sturdy.
4. Temperature
Temperature plays an important role for plants, but it is not enough just knowing this fact. It is crucial to know which plants grow best in what climate type so that you do not waste time and effort. The temperature fluctuates based on geographical location, topography, and altitude. This is why you must conduct proper research on the ideal plants to grow in that area and season.
- FEEDS UP TO 6 MONTHS: Miracle-Gro Potting Mix is a gardening soil for outdoor containers that feeds all types of potted plants, including flowers, vegetables, shrubs, annuals, and perennials for up to 6 months
- PROMOTES GROWTH: This potting soil for outdoor plants Grows Plants Twice As Big! (vs. unfed plants)
- WHERE TO USE: Use this home gardening product with all types of outdoor container plants, including annual and perennial flowers, vegetables, herbs and shrubs
- FEEDS UP TO 6 MONTHS: Miracle-Gro Potting Mix is a gardening soil for outdoor containers that feeds all types of potted plants, including flowers, vegetables, shrubs, annuals, and perennials for up to 6 months
- PROMOTES GROWTH: This potting soil for outdoor plants Grows Plants Twice As Big! (vs. unfed plants)
- WHERE TO USE: Use this home gardening product with all types of outdoor container plants, including annual and perennial flowers, vegetables, herbs and shrubs
- Start planting with the advantage of a complete in-ground garden soil, specially blended to grow bigger, more beautiful plants (versus unfed plants)
- Improves existing soil to build strong roots in annuals and perennials across all your in-ground gardens
- Feeds for up to 3 months with continuous release plant food
Tips and Tricks
Watering plants can be tricky, especially if you are growing different types at once. To ensure everything grows appropriately, I would recommend grouping plants with similar requirements together. Not only does it look aesthetically pleasing, but watering them becomes more manageable.
I strongly recommend adding mulch to the soil since it will help control weeds. Plus, it will also insulate the soil and retain moisture. For this to work, all you need to do is add a layer of mulch around the plants (a three-inch layer should suffice).
I know it can be tempting to add more fertilizer to the soil to ensure the garden grows healthily and fast, but I would advise against it. All fertilizers have nitrogen, and too much of that can be detrimental for fruits, flowers and veggies. While the garden will be green, there will not be any harvest.
One final piece of advice would be to space out the plants. No matter what you are growing, the roots need their space. So, while it may look like nothing is happening on the top, the plants are slowly but surely growing. You must plant them so that they have enough space to expand.
To Sum It Up
As I mentioned to Emilie earlier, patience is key. A growing garden takes time, and nothing can grow overnight (unless it’s a magical beanstalk). Hence, give it time, offer some tender love and care and watch your garden blossom.
These are just a few tips that have ensured growth in my garden. I have done a lot of trial and error with fancy techniques, but it is just the simple things that need attention. Do this, and your garden will be flourishing in no time. On that note, I shall now take your leave and will see you soon with more tips and guides.
Until next time!