Many Americans have been searching for ways to pass the time while staying at home during the coronavirus pandemic. If you’re a homeowner who has some outdoor space, then why not start a victory garden? Gardening is great for your physical and mental health. It can also be an excellent source of fresh fruits and vegetables. Here’s a look at how to start a coronavirus victory garden of your very own.
H
ealth benefits
ealth benefitsFirst of all, let’s talk about the health benefits of gardening. Putting your hands in the earth and connecting to nature during these challenging times can help you manage stress. Gardening is a calming activity that can also help you blow off steam. And at the end of the season, you will enjoy the literal fruits of your labor by harvesting fresh-from-the-garden fruits and vegetables.
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When you’re first starting out on your gardening adventure, it’s best to think small. While you may have the enthusiasm now to tackle a big project, that energy could wane as the summer wears on and the tasks pile up. Try starting with some herbs and vegetables in containers or in raised beds. It’s much easier to begin a garden in a container of some sort than it is to dig up the lawn and amend the soil so that it’s ready for planting. Ideally, you’ll want to position your garden in an area that gets a good amount of sun every day. And be sure that your garden is close to a watering source. If your garden doesn’t get enough water from rain, you’ll need to supplement with a drink from the hose or watering can.
Choose easy plants
There are some plants that are easy to grow, and some that require the knowledge of an experienced gardener. When you’re starting your first garden, choose varieties of herbs, vegetables, and fruits that are easy to grow with little intervention from you. Most herbs grow easily in containers and they don’t need to be harvested whole. You can snip off leaves as you need them. Good herbs to try include basil, thyme, rosemary, and oregano. Fruits and vegetables that are easy for beginners include tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, beans, and peas.
Consider adding perennials
If you think you’ll be gardening for at least a few more years, then consider adding perennials to your coronavirus victory garden. Perennials are plants that grow back every year. They’re a great bang for your gardening buck because you plant them once and enjoy them for years to come. As they mature they require less work and attention from you. Some wonderful edible perennials to plant include raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, rosemary, asparagus, rhubarb, and tarragon. And if you’re feeling especially ambitious, why not plant a tree that bears fruit? While it will take a few years for your tree to produce in abundance, it’s definitely worth it in the long run. Some great varieties to plant include apple, pear, plum, peach, persimmon, orange, lime, and lemon. Be sure you choose a type of tree that will survive and thrive in your climate.
Compliments of Greco Real Estate
