#beginner gardening

[twiggy-boy]

I'm a daddy (⁠ʃ⁠ƪ⁠＾⁠3⁠＾⁠）

She's so wittle

Her room⁠♡ I made it myself :)

[turtlesandfrogs]

Super late notice, but one of the gardening discords I'm in is hosting a live podcast with Mike Bollinger of the Seed Savers Exchange today at noon pacific time. If you're interested in seed saving or plant breeding, this will be a great opportunity to learn!

The server is Garden Rev, here's an invite link:

Join the Garden Revival Discord Server!

Gardening community helping each other with growing indoor and outdoor plants, flowers, vegetables, succulents and more. | 5751 members

It'll also be posted to YouTube once it's edited.

[bumblebeeappletree]

Clarence goes over the basics of planting.

Most gardeners agree there's nothing better than getting a new plant in the ground! Planting is a task you’ll do over and over again and everyone will develop their own style by learning on the job and listening to others. Here’s Clarence’s tips and tricks on planting for beginners.

Choose a suitable spot:

Plants do best when they grow in the conditions they like. When choosing a spot to plant, consider how much sunshine they’ll get and what kind of soil they prefer. You’ll find this information on the plant label. Clarence is planting Billy Buttons which loves full sun and good drainage. There are some Billy Buttons growing happily in this spot already, so that’s a good indication that this new plant will like it here, too.

Health Check:

To check the roots on the plant, give the pot a squeeze. If it's too hard, there may be too many roots which means it is pot-bound. If it’s too soft, there may not be enough roots, meaning it needs to stay in the pot a little longer before establishing in the ground. You want the Goldilocks version, just right.

Water the plant:

It’s important the plant is well watered before going into dry soil because dried roots can cause plant stress or transplant shock. If you think it might take some time to dig your hole, dunk the pot into a bucket of water, let it soak a few minutes, then allow it to drain thoroughly.

Prep the soil:

Dig a hole the same depth as your pot and soften the surrounding soil. You want the soil level to be the same depth that the plant is used to, which is usually the point that joins the stem to the roots. If it’s planted too deep the stem can rot, or too high the roots will dry out. Test out the size of your hole by placing the whole pot inside the hole and adjust as needed.

Some people might be tempted to add compost or fertilizer to help the plant along. However, as the plant establishes its new surroundings, it will send out soft new roots which can be harmed by fertiliser. If the soil is unsuitable or needs amending, it’s best to do this a week before planting.

Remove the plant:

Gently tease the plant out of the pot. If the roots are well developed, it should slide out easily, or you can turn it upside-down and give it a tap. Any overcrowded roots can gently be teased to give them space - however, this depends on what type of plant it is, as some plants don’t like root disturbance.

Firm it in:

Get your hands dirty for this part! Clarence says it helps you connect to the plant and the garden. Place the plant into its position and gently firm down the soil around it. You want to make sure the soil particles are in good contact with the roots without big air pockets, but not too hard that it compacts.

Mulch:

Cover the soil with a layer of mulch, no higher than 50mm. Make it wide enough that it covers the dripline where the leaves would drip water down. Mulch helps keep moisture in and weeds out.

Water it in:

Give your plant a good thorough soaking. This will help the soil settle in place and keep the plant from stress as it settles in. You'll need to water it regularly for the first two weeks but once it's established, just sit back, relax and watch it grow!

Featured Plants:

BILLY BUTTONS - Pycnosorus globosus

[frosty--giants]

Anyone know the best way to kill gophers? Deer? Whatever the fuck has DESTROYED my crops? It's not even like I was going to get any grapes this year, I knew that! Still doesn't make this ok. Fuck.

[invoke-parlay]

Although it seems early, it’s almost time to start prepping for the garden if you’re growing from seed!! These grow bags are much cheaper than buckets or pots, and if like me the only option you have is container gardening, I recommend these grow bags.

Happy gardening!!

[thegardenenthusiast]

A Beginner's Guide to Growing Herbs Indoors: Tips for Thriving Indoor Herb Gardens

For those who have never grown herbs before, cultivating them indoors can be a delightful and fragrant experience. Growing an indoor herb garden is a wonderful and doable hobby, regardless of your interest in cooking or just the convenience of having fresh herbs on hand. This in-depth guide will show you how to successfully grow your very own indoor herb garden..

Choosing the Right Herbs: Start by selecting herbs that are well-suited for indoor cultivation. Popular choices include basil, mint, rosemary, thyme, and parsley. Choose herbs that share similar growing requirements to simplify maintenance.

Selecting the Right Containers: Choosing the right containers is crucial for successful indoor herb gardening. Ensure that your pots have adequate drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. Additionally, consider the size of the pots, allowing ample space for root growth.

The Perfect Potting Mix: Herbs thrive in well-draining soil. Create a suitable potting mix by combining regular potting soil with perlite or coarse sand to enhance drainage. This ensures that your herbs receive the right balance of water and air.

Providing Adequate Light: Indoor herbs require plenty of sunlight to thrive. Place your herb garden near a south-facing window where they can receive at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily. If natural light is scarce, consider supplementing with fluorescent grow lights.

Watering Wisely: Overwatering is a common mistake in herb gardening. Allow the topsoil to dry out slightly before watering. When watering, do so thoroughly, ensuring the water reaches the roots. Always use a saucer under the pots to catch excess water and prevent water damage.

Temperature and Humidity: Most herbs prefer temperatures between 60-70°F (15-21°C). Ensure the indoor environment remains well-ventilated, as stagnant air can lead to problems like mold. Humidity levels between 40-60% are generally suitable for herb cultivation.

Fertilizing Routine: Herbs benefit from periodic feeding during the growing season. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4-6 weeks. Be cautious not to over-fertilize, as this can harm the plants.

Pruning and Harvesting: Regular pruning encourages bushier growth and prevents herbs from becoming leggy, or similarly, elongated or stretched. Harvest leaves in the morning when the essential oils are most concentrated. Avoid removing more than one-third of the plant at a time to ensure continued growth.

Dealing with Common Pests: Keep an eye out for common pests like aphids and spider mites. A mild solution of water and dish soap can help control these pests. Alternatively, introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs to keep your indoor garden pest-free.

In closing, embarking on the journey of growing herbs indoors is a delightful adventure for beginners. By choosing the right herbs, containers, soil, and providing the optimal growing conditions, you'll soon be enjoying the bountiful harvest of your indoor herb garden. Follow these tips, stay patient, and watch as your herbs flourish, bringing a touch of freshness to your culinary endeavors. Happy herb gardening!

[rattsblog]

Show your plants! :D

Here they are!!!

[daisygirlshome]

Currently my potted garden consists of: One plastic popcorn container cut in half -> Bunching onions in both One metal peanut tin -> Bunching onions One plastic coffee tin -> Carrots One metal soup can -> Marigold

My 'watering can' is a plastic milk jug with holes cut in it! I have a plastic gallon(? possibly a bit smaller) bucket that I haven't used yet mainly because I can't decide what I want to plant in it

I'm pretty much a beginner with growing vegetables so if someone could give me a few pointers I'd be very appreciative!