I've been dreaming of starting a family garden for years, but always felt overwhelmed trying to get started. So when I was chosen to participate in the Seed to Supper program hosted by PSU Master Gardens this spring, I felt like I won the lottery. I was excited to have the opportunity to learn from people who had both experience and education that could help me put fresh homegrown food on the table for my family without spending a fortune. And while I don't have the expertise to teach anyone how to garden yet (don't ask about the seedlings I killed this week), I want to pass on some other valuable lessons I learned that may help you gain the confidence to get started!
1. It's your garden.
It's. Your. Garden. You can do whatever you want with it. Plant the fruits and veggies you'll actually eat and the flowers you personally enjoy seeing and smelling. Plant just one tomato plant or fill your yard with variety. Start from seeds or buy seedling from a local nursery. Plant in the ground, use containers, build raised beds, or toss some seeds in a mound. Nature will limit some decisions, of course (You won't see much success with orange trees in your backyard in PA), but everything else is up to you!
2. It should be fun.
Refer back to #1 and make choices that make your life easier and your garden something that brings you joy. Whether you're growing a collection of potted herbs, a whimsical flower garden spread through your yard, or rows of tomatoes in all different varieties for you to taste test, create your own fun. And as far as those pesky garden chores like watering and weeding? Take on a little every day, involve your kids (kids think the WEIRDEST things are fun and exciting), and use it as a few minutes to disconnect from the rest of the world and connect with the peace of nature.
3. You can create a garden anywhere.
It's wonderful if you have a big backyard with empty space ready to be turned into rows of fruits and veggies. You don't need that, though. Pots, or even buckets, can work just fine. Simple boxes on the edge of a patio, a small window planter, or even an indoor hydroponic system are all valid options. (My little tabletop hydroponic system is something I actually do have plenty of success using!) Don't let your view of a "traditional" garden stop you from growing!
4. Test and wait.
Here are my 2 basic "do this" tips because I feel confident in NOT sharing them incorrectly. First, test your soil before you get started and every few years. It's super affordable through PSU Extension, lets you know what you're working with, and results even come with basic recommendations of what to add to your soil based on what you want to grow. Easy and beginner-friendly. Second, wait to start your garden until you can guarantee the last frost has passed. If you're planting outside before the end of May/beginning of June, you're risking all that hard gardening work for nothing!
Worried about losing this information? Don't be! Penn State Extension - Master Gardeners of Schuylkill County is now in our Macaroni KID Mt. Carmel - Schuylkill - Pottsville Directory for easy access at any time!
5. It's worth it to get help from the pros.
I feel so lucky to have been picked for the Seed to Supper program and have the chance to learn and ask questions - and I'm equally as thankful to have learned that there are a variety of free and low-cost resources out there for everyone to use! One of my sources of overwhelm when trying to get started was figuring out who to trust for accurate information when looking online. In general, sites that end with .edu are a great place to start. They'll contain research-based information and solutions to get you on the right path and avoid potentially dangerous advice.
If you're looking for some direct links and local advice, Penn State Extension - Master Gardeners of Schuylkill County has you covered! They even run a completely free gardening hotline from April to October! Ask questions, get advice, send photos of something that's stumping you, and more. You can call 570-622-4225 Mondays & Wednesdays 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM or email schuylkillmg@psu.edu any time. You can also visit the Penn State Extension | The Pennsylvania State University site to access a ton of webinars, online courses, and find dates for in-person classes. It turns out that the information is out there if you just know where to look!
