Ways To Develop Your Green Thumb
Anyone can have a green thumb—even the newbies in gardening. Growing plants and flowers can be quite tricky. If your plants always wither and die, don’t worry! There are many gardening tips to do things right. But is a green thumb a real thing? Here’s what you need to know about it:
What Does “Green Thumb” Mean?
This is the term used for the aptitude or natural ability to master gardening. Many people believe that there are individuals who can grow plants effortlessly. But according to the experts, nobody is born with a green thumb. If you’re determined to develop a green thumb, there are ways you can make plants grow using the right tools and methods.
Do Your Research
Before you purchase seeds and design your garden, do your research first. Read different blogs and articles on how you can plant smart. There are many sources of information on lawn care. Know your plant zone and plant choices suitable in your area.
In addition, you should use USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map as a guide. This will help you know which plants are most likely to thrive. Being familiar with the regional climate and hardness zone will increase your landscaping success.
Start Small
It might be tempting to create a big garden at home. This is one of the biggest mistakes of first-time gardeners. On the contrary, starting a small backyard garden is better for beginners. Small gardens are much easier to manage. When you start on a small scale, you can focus on the basics like fertilizing, weed control, and watering.
You can start with an area of about 6 feet by 8 feet and expand every year. This will prevent you from feeling overwhelmed with all the gardening chores.
Don’t Overwater
Plants need enough water—not too much or too little. Beginners tend to overwater plants until they drown completely. Overwatering will prevent them from getting enough oxygen. If you see leaves that are turning brown and drooping, these are signs of overwatering. Fungal diseases will appear when the soil is too wet.
As a newbie in gardening, you should know how to water plants. Check the soil condition. Is it damp? Don’t water if the soil feels damp and moist.
Build a Compost Pile
Organic materials will allow you to create a nutrient-rich soil. Dead leaves, branches, and food scraps can be turned into compost. When these materials break down, they turn into organic matter that enriches the soil and retains moisture.
To make a compost pile, choose a corner in your property where you place your composter. Pick a location with good sunlight. Add green and brown organic matters in the compost bin. Make sure to moisten the compost, then turn it at least once a week. Once it has turned to a rich brown color, the compost is ready to use.
Spread a thin layer of compost over your garden beds at least once a year. Then, mix the compost into the soil as deep as possible.
This can help your plants grow and save money at the same time. There’s no need to buy chemical fertilizers when you already have a compost bin. Moreover, these discarded materials won’t take up space in landfills.
Pick the Right Gardening Tools
Landscaping is a lot easier when you have the right tools. As a beginner, you need to look for the best equipment for specific gardening tasks. When buying materials, choose quality and durability. It’s better to invest money in superb-quality equipment that won’t break easily.
Some of the equipment you need are hand trowel, shovel, gardening gloves, rake, and wheelbarrow. The right tools will allow you to be more efficient and productive. You may visit your local hardware or gardening store where you can purchase products.
Final Thoughts
No one is born with a black thumb. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned gardener, these tips will help you grow your plants. Follow our advice to become a green-thumb gardener. If you need assistance with landscaping or lawn care, Midstate Landscaping is here to serve you!
Our full-service landscaping company ensures quality service and customer satisfaction. Aside from landscaping, we offer mulching services, hardscaping, and snow removal. For more details about our services, reach out to our friendly team today!