How to Start a Garden
Step 1: Decide What to Grow
- Pick vegetables, herbs, flowers, or a mix.
- Start with easy plants like basil, tomatoes, or lettuce.
- Match plants to your climate and available sunlight.
Step 2: Pick a Good Location
- Look for a spot with 6+ hours of direct sunlight.
- Ensure proper drainage and easy access for watering.
Step 3: Plan the Layout
- Sketch where each plant will go.
- Group plants with similar needs together.
- Leave space for air flow and plant growth.
Step 4: Prepare the Soil
- Remove grass/weeds and loosen the soil.
- Add compost or organic matter for nutrients.
- Test soil pH if possible and adjust as needed.
Step 5: Plant Your Garden
- Follow spacing and depth instructions.
- Water thoroughly after planting.
- Use mulch to retain moisture and block weeds.
Step 6: Maintain Your Garden
- Water regularly based on weather and soil dryness.
- Watch for pests and remove them early.
- Harvest crops when ready and enjoy the results!
Why Gardening Helps the Planet
Human activities such as deforestation, pollution, and burning fossil fuels damage ecosystems and contribute to climate change. These actions reduce biodiversity, pollute air and water, and accelerate global warming. Planting crops can help reverse some of this damage by improving air quality, restoring soil, supporting pollinators, and providing local, sustainable food.
Plant a garden and donate today: The Nature Conservancy, Environmental Defense Fund, or World Wildlife Fund.