The Benefits of a Garden at Home
Garden at home is a term used to describe small plots of land surrounding homes for the cultivation of flowers, herbs, vegetables and spices. [1]
Different studies show that gardens at home are a cost-effective and convenient source of food and nutrients for families with limited resources. They greatly increase the variety of food available and improve the bioavailability as well as absorption of nutrients compared to staple-based diets.
Soil
The soil is a living material, which provides nutrients, structure, and water-holding capacity to help support plant growth. It is the biological and literal base on which gardens are built. Whatever you have your garden well-maintained and aesthetically pleasing it may be, its success will be determined by the quality of the soil.
Each soil is distinct and has its own blend of mineral, organic and living matter. The mix of these elements determines which plants will thrive on a specific plot of land.
Essentially, soil is dirt (clay, sand and silt) alive with life. The living organisms are responsible for releasing the minerals from the soil, making them available to plants' roots. This is achieved through their continual interactions and activities. In this process, they provide a multitude of other functions that ensure that the soil stays healthy and alive.
The mineral portion of the soil forms from rocks that have been altered by forces such as rain, wind or temperature changes. These rock particles become smaller as they break down and mix with other elements from the surrounding environment. The smaller particles are known as clay, the middle size is silt, and the largest particles are sand. The proportion of these different particles in the soil will determine its texture. A soil that has equal amounts of sand, clay and silt is the best. These soils are called loam soils.
The organic part is composed of living and dead organisms, also known as organic matter. These organisms have been destroyed by microorganisms. Humus, an organic material helps form the pores of the soil and makes it soft and pliable. This allows the roots of plants to penetrate and grow easily. The soil is also a rich source of the nutrients essential for the growth of plants. It is comprised of nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus which are readily accessible in soils that have high levels of organic matter. Many gardeners are adding organic matter to their soil by growing cover crops like clover, vetch, and buckwheat. These plants fix nitrogen in the soil, and as they decompose help improve soil structure, aeration, and drainage.
Water
Gardening is a time-tested local method that aids in food production and poverty alleviation. It is a low-cost, accessible way to produce supplemental nutrition as well as income and the raw materials required for various household products. Home gardens are small-scale farming methods that are prevalent in urban and rural areas. They can be classified as mixed, backyard or farmyard gardens, or compound gardens [1].
Start small and expand your garden as you get more experience. This will allow you to avoid becoming overwhelmed by the amount of work required, and give your garden a simpler size to maintain.
The location of your garden will also determine the kind of plants you can grow. It is essential to ensure that your plants receive plenty of sunlight. For example, fruits require full sun, whereas leafy greens, root vegetables, and herbs thrive in partial shade.
After you have picked a good spot make sure you prepare the soil by clearing away all weeds and grass. Dig the top 8-12 inches of soil and add organic material or fertilizer. This will allow the roots to get deeper into the soil and supply the nutrients needed. It is preferential to plan flatbeds, not sloping ones, as this will allow for better watering and prevent soil runoff.
When it is time to water you'll need to establish a routine and track the weather conditions. Seedlings need more frequent watering than mature plants, and you'll want to water your soil slowly so that it soaks completely and doesn't evaporate. You can use an irrigation hose or drip system to water your garden.
Plants
You can grow your own flowers, herbs and even vegetables in your own home garden. It can also reduce the cost of living and let you know where your food comes from.
Garden plants add beauty and ambiance to outdoor spaces and offer an ideal place to relax. They also contribute to the value of your home. They provide a perfect backdrop for romantic suppers and picnics in the garden or on the balcony.
Vegetable gardens have exploded in popularity because they provide the chance to eat a healthy diet and save money on grocery purchases. Vegetables grown at home can be organic and free of harmful chemicals which is a huge benefit for those with allergies or sensitive stomachs. Incorporating legumes into your vegetable garden will also help reduce the cost of fertilizers as they remove nitrogen from the air and increase the health of your soil.
Vegetables thrive in well-drained, fertile soil. Work in lots of compost, manure and other organic matter to improve the soil's texture. This will aid in aerating heavy clay soils, and stop it from becoming compacted in sandy soils. Plant your vegetable garden to the east, as sunlight in the morning is vital for photosynthesis and growth. This will also ensure that taller vegetables (such as corn or beans on a trellis) won't shade smaller plants.
Flowers are a crucial component of many garden plants , since they attract pollinators and help in reproduction. Flowers are usually scented and have brightly colored petals that catch the eyes of all who see them. Flowers contain male and female parts known as pistil and stamen that are joined when the plant is ready for seeds.
Pruning
Pruning is vital to the success of your garden, regardless of whether it's to improve aesthetics, to improve plant health or to boost the production of fruit. When trimming plants, trees and shrubs, you must consider several factors, including the timing of pruning and the use of the appropriate tools. You should also sterilize your equipment after every use. Pruning refers to the removal or reduction of certain parts of plants, usually for aesthetic reasons, but also for the purpose of encouraging flowering and fruiting, controlling growth, removing dead limbs, reducing risk, and increasing the value of a yard, garden or property.
Pruning trees and shrubs can be done for a variety of reasons, including the removal of damaged, diseased or infested branches; to remove suckers that grow from the trunk's base or main branches; to minimize the amount of people and trees that are encroaching upon structures such as sidewalks, driveways or buildings and to open the canopy of a tree to allow more sunlight through to the ground, which promotes growth and vigor, and also helps with flowering and fruiting. Water sprouts that appear along the ground due to branches should also be removed as soon as they appear. This will stop them from affecting the desired growth and vigor of the plant.
Regular pruning is vital to ensure the health and beauty of your garden. It eliminates dead or decaying limbs which could pose a risk in the event of a storm or windy weather, or in the case of vandalism. It also helps to keep your garden tidy. Pruning will also promote healthy growth, free of diseases and insects. It will also help to ensure adequate clearance for the sightlines and traffic. Deciduous trees are cut every 2 to 3 years, while evergreens are pruned when needed. The best time to trim your trees is during the winter or early spring when most plants are in dormancy.
Harvesting
Harvesting is an essential element of the gardening process. It gives the home gardener a sense of accomplishment and allows them to grow nutritious, fresh food. It also reduces grocery bills and is a great alternative to the store-bought vegetable. A garden in your home is a wonderful place to relax and have a meal with your loved ones. raised garden beds of your home is enhanced by the climbing plants, flowers, and garden plants. They are the perfect place to unwind after a tiring day at work.
Most often, gardeners at home tend to grow peppers, tomatoes as well as potatoes and squash. Cucumbers, corn, and low-growing plants such as oregano and rosemary are also very popular. The best time to harvest your vegetables is when they are at their peak in terms of eating quality. It is best to pick vegetables when they are firm and have a deep dark color. Commercial growers usually harvest vegetables before they reach their peak in terms of eating quality because it is a less expensive method of processing the vegetables.
When harvesting, it is essential to remove the vegetable gently without causing any harm to the plant. If the plant is damaged, it might not be able to recover and grow new crops. It is also important to water your garden after harvesting to ensure that the soil does not become compacted. A drip irrigation system with an intelligent timer will automatically provide water to your garden .
Incorporating small 'pocket garden' gardens of edibles and vegetables into existing planting beds is a great option to supplement home food production for those who have limited space. These garden s do not only provide an energizing diet, but also boost pollinator populations, increasing the overall health of landscape.