Looking for gardening tips and tricks to become a successful homesteader? If you are, you'll be glad to check out this list of gardening tips and tricks for homesteaders.
Gardening Tips And Tricks Every Homesteader Should Know
When we were just getting started with our homestead, I have to admit was a tough ride. I have read everything about gardening that I came across with. It provided me vital information to help me become the successful homesteader I am today. As time passed by, I have learned to incorporate what I have learned from books and online to what I have experience in doing my gardening task. And yes, I'm proud to let you know some of these gardening tips and tricks I’ve compiled were tried and tested in my homestead. Enjoy browsing and learn!
1. Choose The Right Gardening Tools
To become a successful gardener you need to have the right gardening tools. Of course, I want to help you have the right tools to get you started.
2. Test Your Soil
All soil have three main layers: 20% clay, 40% silt, and 40% sand. Testing your garden soil will allow you to find out what components should be added in order to have the perfect soil for your plant. Testing your garden soil doesn’t need to be expensive because you can do it the Pioneer way without the use of any equipment. I do use this Pioneer's method of testing my garden soil each year before planting season and it never fails to give me a bountiful harvest.
3. Develop Your Soil
Soil works the hardest in a garden, so it needs more attention than you ever think. After testing your garden soil, it is essential for you to develop your soil and find out which necessary components should be added to ensure your plants will thrive. Organically rich soil enhances the development of healthy, broad roots that can reach more nutrients and water.
4. Amend Clay Soil
One of the hardest soil to grow plants with is the clay soil. If you have this kind of soil you're having trouble getting a bountiful harvest, you can now ease your trouble by learning how to amend clay soil to make your plants thrive.
5. Know When To Plant
A successful garden requires a perfect timing because not all plants thrive and flourish whole year round. There are plants best planted during summer or spring. A perfect plan for the garden gives advantages for producing the best crops each season.
6. Garden Seed Calculator
To help you learn the perfect time to plant you'll find this incredible tool, garden seed calculator helpful. I do keep this garden seed calculator handy because it allows me to know when is the best time for me to transfer my plant outdoors.
7. Find Out What Is Your Gardening Zone
It makes a big difference if you are aware of your gardening zone, as it influences both the success and failures of your garden. Find out what is your gardening zone so you can only plant the crops and flowers that will thrive in your location, thus it saves you time, money, and effort.
8. How To Grow Plants In 5 Easy Tips
Every expert gardener starts with the very basic way to grow plants. When I was a novice homesteader these 5 easy tips works for me and even now I still enjoy these. It made my gardening a lot better and easier.
Not sure what type of farming to use on your homestead? We've put together all the types! https://t.co/sm6XHU6JQW pic.twitter.com/MVNipeIxLL
— Pioneer Settler (@PioneerSettler) July 30, 2016
9. Gardening Ideas On a Budget
If you’re just getting started and don’t want to break your bank in doing so, gardening doesn’t need you to spend a fortune. There are lots of gardening ideas on a budget that will let you set your right foot forward. All you have to do is get know what you want and have the proper resources.
10. Create Your Own Seed Tape
Having enough space is essential for the growth of your plants. It allows them to collect nutrients and it provides you a way to maximize your space. The easiest way to give seeds the proper spacing is through seed tape. I am doing this for a long time now, it allows me to have a well-spaced garden without worrying my plants are not getting enough nutrients.
11. Container Gardening
Troubled with space or season? If you got more crops to plant than your space allows, container gardening will help you maximize your space and even during winter can gardening can help your plant survive. There are plenty of vegetables and fruits that still thrive even in containers indoors or outdoors, whether you’ve got limited space or sunny window container gardening is a great way to enjoy homegrown fresh produce and add a delicious component to your meals.
12. Raised Garden Beds
Whether you are beginner gardener or a budding green thumb who wants to grow food organically whole year round, a raised garden bed is just what you need. It's the fastest way to have a deep layer of fertile soil. It allows you to do close planting that’s both beneficial to soil's life and plants because of moisture conservation and being able to control extreme temperatures.
13. Vertical Gardening
Another space saving option is vertical gardening. With vertical gardening, rooting space is the key. If you want to give this a try the basics are pretty easy, you just need a watering system and best kind of crops and you’ll be good to go.
14. Use Homemade Fertilizer
Homemade fertilizers are a lot safer and beneficial than to its commercial alternative. You get to know what's in it plus its lot cheaper. I would say animal manure is still the best option. Fortunately, I've got livestock in my homestead, so animal manure comes free. If you've got no animal manure, your food scraps or any biodegradable will do.
15. Cover Your Soil With Organic Mulch
Covering your soil with organic mulch is the perfect way to retain moisture and safeguards your plants from extreme temperatures. Depending on your gardening needs and preference it can be permanent or not. Garden mulch help me with my cleaning because nothing goes to waste with mulching. You can use old newspapers, compost, leaves, grass clippings and more!
16. Practice Composting
With composting nothing goes to waste, except the non-biodegradable. Composting is a must know for every homesteader. It helps a garden reach its full potential. It lessens a major a portion of non-organic elements, balances its soluble and unstable nutrients, and quickens the development of soil humus which is essential for plants to flourish.
17. Weeding Made Easy: Tips And Tricks
Weeds! Is the one thing that gives you nothing but ruins your yield and the beauty of your garden. Using an unnatural method to get rid of weeds may have harmful effects on the soil. The best way to get rid of weeds permanently is the natural way.
18. Destroy Garden Pests
Aside from weeds, another parasite that ruins a garden are pests. But do you know that there are insects beneficial to your garden? Get to know which are the insects good for your garden and destroy garden pests that ruin your plants.
19. Get Rid of Aphids
Aphids, another loathsome pest destroys a garden and yield! I guess, every homeowner, homesteader, gardener wants to be free from this annoying pest. If it's still possible, it’s still best to get rid of aphids the natural way before considering another method, like contacting an arborist.
20. Use Homemade Organic Pesticides
Just like homemade fertilizer, homemade organic pesticides are safer and cheaper than the commercial ones. But still extremely effective and best for your garden. Every homesteader is aware of this.
Heres how to achieve the BEST quail eggs possible: http://t.co/mkvqN5iPj1 #farming #homesteading pic.twitter.com/JOWBbQHlwF
— Pioneer Settler (@PioneerSettler) August 5, 2015
21. Mending Plants Leaves That Are Turning Yellow
I remember the day when I notice my plant’s beautiful green leaves are turning yellow. I was worried about losing them, but then I am resourceful enough and have found a natural way to amend plants with leaves that are turning yellow. When your plant's leaves start to turn yellow, there are some issues your plant are going through. Don't wait for some miracle to happen, find out what’s behind it and fix it.
22. Build A Greenhouse
If you want to produce food year round, a greenhouse is a necessity. It helps extend your growing season and you can even grow a variety of crops that are not commonly grown in your area. The greenhouse comes big and small, depending on your preference and needs.
23. Grow A Survival Garden
Any prepper would want to have unlimited food supply when SHTF hits. Gardening is just a perfect way to do so, but then there are still some elements that may hinder such goal. How will your protect your food supply? Grow a hidden survival garden in your bug-out location and ensure you get to have food even in the worst situation.
24. Indoor Garden
If the season limits you in growing your food, well, there’s really no reason for you not to have an indoor garden because there are delicious, hardy edibles that still thrive indoors when the season doesn’t allow them to flourish outdoors. You’ll love to have an indoor garden that will keep you busy even during winter months.
25. Cute Kids Gardening Ideas
Gardening is not just limited for the adult to enjoy. It is also fun for kids to do. Involve your kids with your gardening and have cute kids gardening ideas perfect for your kid's personality and desires. I assure you, you will not just be rewarded with good produce but also that fulfilling feeling of being able to spend quality time with your young ones.
26. Straw Bale Gardening
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Are you an experienced gardener looking for a new way to grow it? Straw bale gardening might be just the method you need to make your garden become more productive. Straw bale gardening is a method in which you use a regular straw bale as your healthy garden soil.
27. Things You Should Be Doing In Your Garden During Winter
If you think your garden sleeps during winter? Think again, because even during winter your garden still has a lot of things that need to be done. Gardening is year round activity that will leave you no room for being idle. That’s one of the many reasons why I just truly love gardening. It keeps me productive any time of the year.
28. Terrarium Plants For Your Homestead
A true gardener and homesteader would love to see greenery wherever is possible. Terrarium plants are perfect wherever you put it. Provide them the best glass container possible, personalize it to your heart's desire and put in a spot where they can truly shine. It will bring your afternoon tea experience to the next level.
29. Indoor Herb Garden
What do you love about herbs? Me? Everything! I have them outdoors in my garden and I have them indoors in my kitchen window. I keep them whole year round for my cooking pleasures. There’s nothing like a fresh herb in your meal, so create your own indoor herb garden and enjoy your favorite herbs all year round.
30. Hydroponic Systems
Do you know what a hydroponic gardening is? It is a method of gardening using mineral-rich solutions instead of soil! It's gardening without soil, and it's helpful for growing crops in their native environment or indoors and in areas with limited yard space, and more! Imagine the unlimited possibilities where you can put up your hydroponic system.
31. Hugelkultur Gardening
Ever heard of this Eastern European gardening solution, Hugelkultur? Well, it’s very organic. It’s self-fertilizing, great for the earth, and works for any kind of soil. So if you love to experiment in your garden, Hugelkultur is a must try.
32. Modular Garden Systems
Who says gardening is just for those with big yard space? If you’re in the city living in beautiful tiny homes and apartments but want to start your own garden, the modular garden system is just the thing for you. It does not require a lot of space and you can enjoy it right at the comfort of your home where you can easily access it.
33. Mound Gardening – Growing Root Vegetables
Mound gardening might change your life for the better. It’s perfect for root vegetables that require space below the ground. Mound gardening will help you maximize your space and prevent your crops from drowning in water. Careful, though, more water is also not good for plants as it may cause wilting and it will make you lose your plant.
34. Growing Microgreens
I want to always have fresh greens in my homestead. Growing microgreens are my one perfect solution as they are very easy to grow year round and use up a very small space. These tiny sprouts are great for beginners and experienced gardeners alike.
35. Growing Alliums
If you are planting for a purpose, alliums are the plant for you. I have been planting alliums for as long as I can remember. It does not need much of your attention because it can grow in your flower or vegetable garden. It’s just a matter of you getting started.
36. Flower Gardening
What does it take to achieve the flower garden that will raise brows of envy? You don’t need to have the green thumb gift to have the flower garden of your dream. There are plenty of easy effective tips and tricks to guide you. Always remember to take one step at a time and in no time your flower garden will flourish the way you can never imagine.
37. Prepare Your Tomato Garden For Spring
If you crave for big and juicy tomatoes, better get your tomato garden soil ready for spring with these very simple steps. This winter activity is all worth it and super easy.
38. Plants Best For Clay Soil
It’s hard if you’ve got clay soil in your garden, but worry not because there are still plenty of plants that grow well in clay soil. You just need to know what are the plants best for clay soil. Who knows? With these blooms you’ll have the dream garden you’d been dreaming about.
39. Quick Tips For Starting Seeds
Are you having a hard time raising your own seeds? Then these quick tips for starting seeds is for you. Follow these simple tips to become a successful gardener and avoid mistakes when starting seeds.
40. How To Make Your Seeds Survive In Stasis
Just like humans, seeds need necessary nutrients and proper care to survive. Giving seeds what they need to survive in stasis is one way of becoming a successful homesteader.
41. Flowers That Attract Hummingbirds
I don't know with you, but I enjoy the chirping of hummingbirds. If you want to attract hummingbirds to your homestead, get to know what are the flowers that attract hummingbirds.
42. Medicinal Herbs To Grow At Home
Becoming a homesteader, self-sufficiency is one thing that you have to achieve. Being able to grow and use medicinal herbs in your homestead is a sign that you are a progressive homesteader. Find out what are the top medicinal herbs to grow at home.
43. How To Grow Green Onions From Scraps
I love green onions! Being able to grow them in my homestead makes me so proud. I have a supply year round without spending on seeds or new plants because I grow them from scraps. Yes, you can easily grow onion from scraps.
44. Top Hardy Plants To Grow In Winter
Growing fresh greens all year round is possible. Choose which top hardy plants to grow in winter that's best suited in your area and you’ll be able to enjoy your produce in no time.
45. How To Grow Basil Indoors
Basil is popular for its culinary uses that is why it is always included in my meal plans. I love the sweet and fragrant addition of Basil. If you do too, well, having them around is just so easy, learn how to grow basil indoors and be rewarded.
46. DIY Bottle Planter For Seed Starting
You don't need to spend that much if you want a perfect planter for seed starting. Save your money and DIY a bottle planter perfect for seed starting.
47. Growing Fruit Trees In Containers
Having a limited space for fruit trees will no longer be a problem! Learn the secrets of growing fruit trees in containers and enjoy fresh fruits in the comfort of your own space.
48. Best Crops For Fall Harvest
Winter is here and there's no stopping it! Better plan the best crops for fall harvest and ensure a bounty to enjoy during the fall season.
49. Create A Bee Friendly Garden
Bees are great pollinators. They help your plants get the proper nourishment it needs. So, it is an advantage if you create a bee friendly garden.
50. Growing Fruit Trees From Seeds
There’s no other joy of having your own fresh fruits in your backyard! Learn how to grow fruit from seeds and enjoy the advantages of having fresh fruits in your own backyard. It means no more spending on fruits, as you’re got to enjoy a homegrown product at home. You can even turn it into to cash!
Still got time for more gardening tips and tricks? Check out this video from GrowVeg:
There's a gardener inside everybody simply waiting to flourish. Once you get started you'll see that there's no pleasure comparable to embracing beautiful flowers or eating on a plate of fresh greens you grew yourself. Don't miss out on a great opportunity because you're too worried about not having a green thumb. Plants are created to grow, however, they'll flourish better with a little assistance from you. So, what are you waiting for? Use these gardening tips and tricks to get started and enjoy your reward in no time.
Did you find what you’re looking for to get started with gardening? I would be very happy to know when you will get started? Let me know in the comments below.
Want to start an indoor winter garden? Learn how with this impressive infographic: Ultimate Guide To Have An Indoor Garden For Winter!
Featured Image Via Gardening Basics
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I had cut worms eating my collard leaves. I spread clippings from my cypress trees and the problem went away. Don’t recall why I did this but, no more cutworms.