7 STEPS TO START
GROWING PRODUCE
AT HOME
Family Features
Growing your own
produce is an
all-around smart
practice, from the money
you’ll save at the grocery
store to the contributions
you can make toward a
cleaner planet.
Maintaining a garden takes some effort, but it’s a project even a
beginner can tackle with ease. Consider these tips to start growing
your at-home garden:
1. Select a perfect spot. You’ll want to place your garden in an
area where you see it often so you’re reminded to weed and care
for it regularly. Find a flat area you can access easily, where erosion
and other pitfalls (including hungry wildlife) won’t be a problem.
2. Choose between ground and containers. There are pros and
cons to gardening in containers vs. the ground, and there’s no universal
right choice. Rather, the best garden depends on your goals
and preferences. A ground garden usually offers more space and
may provide a better growth environment for roots. However, a
container garden is often easier to maintain and may be all you
need if you wish to grow just a few plants.
3. Understand the importance of quality soil. You may think any
dirt will do, but keep in mind the soil you plant in will be the
primary source of nutrients for your produce. Not only that, but
quality soil provides stability so plants can root firmly and grow
healthy and sturdy to support their bounty. Quality soil also allows
for ample drainage. Organic matter like compost, leaf mold
or aged manure all help improve soil quality.
4. Keep water close. Lugging water can quickly eliminate the
pleasure of tending your garden, so be sure you’re situated near a
hose. You’ll know it’s time to water when the soil is dry about an
inch below the surface.
5. Plan for plenty of sun. A bright, sunny spot is a must, since
most vegetables, herbs and fruits depend on six or more hours of
sun every day. Remember the sun’s path changes throughout the
year, and as trees and foliage grow, they may produce more shade
with each growing season.
6. Consider what you’ll grow. Starting with veggies you know
you like is a smart starting point since you’ll be pouring sweat
equity into making them grow. Over time, you might add new
varieties, but early on, keep your focus on foods you know you like
so you can see a meaningful return and avoid waste. You’ll also
need to consider what you can grow to maturity within your area’s
growing season. If necessary, you might want to start transplants
you can nurture indoors before moving them outside when the
temperatures allow.
7. Plant according to a calendar. Knowing how long it takes different
foods to mature will help you create a planting calendar.
You don’t want to harvest everything at once, and if you stagger
planting and replant what you can, you’ll have a garden that produces
food for your family for a longer period of time.•
IMPROVE THE LOOK OF YOUR HOME
IN HOURS!
INTERIOR NTERIOR DOOR
DOORS
Buy 6 get 1 FREE!
5
Painted & Installed
Same Day Door Replacement Process!
INSTALLED IN HOURS NOT DAYS!
CLEAN...SIMPLE...FAST!
3D Digitally Measured • Custom Cut to Fit • No Mess • Factory Painted
Hours Later
With No Messy
Construction
LONG ISLANDS ORIGINAL & MOST TRUSTED
DOOR REPLACEMENT COMPANY
★★★★★
INTERIOR DOORS • EXTERIOR DOORS • CUSTOM CLOSETS
FREE ESTIMATES BY APPT.
631- 237-9506
www.NewYorkDoorAndCloset.com
New York Door & Closet Inc
Check out our showroom at 1364 LINCOLN AVE. • HOLBROOK • Showroom open by appointment
10010917
* Contract must be signed by May 15th, 2025 Nassau Lic #H04569000 Suffolk Lic # 57857-H
Edition 809 Spaces - Spring 2025 www.ALLISLANDMEDIA.com