Gardening 101

Summer is nearly here! Which means thousands of Michiganders are preparing their yards for gardening. Beautiful flowers and delicious vegetables will be growing in no time. But anyone who has gardened has quickly learned – a successful garden takes a lot of time, talent and knowledge. To ease the pains of planting, we've gathered a helpful list of tips.

Before Planting

Caring for plants is important even before they are put in to the ground. Preparation is a key part of having happy, healthy plants.

The planting process starts with the soil. “For brighter blooming colors, you can do a soil test,” said Jeanie Mundy, employee at . “You can take a soil sample in to most gardening centers. Soils with a higher acid content are best for flowers.”

A soil test is not only helpful for flowers, but can be a useful tool when growing vegetables. Different types of vegetables require varying degrees of soil acidity.

Aside from the nutrients within the soil, it is important to plant in an area that drains properly with no foot traffic. Roots systems can more easily grow in soil that has not been compacted.

“Placement is very important,” said Carlotta Cardenas, part owner of . “You have to know what's for the sun or shade.”

Most purchased plants offer directions on required sunlight for the particular plant. Before planting, observe the hours of sunlight the gardening area receives.

Some plants grow well together while other combinations should be avoided. Tomatoes and peppers should not be planted alongside one another. They attract the same bacterias and harmful insects. Thus, if one plant gets harmful bugs, both crops will likely be ruined. Planting herbs, such as basil or oregano, between pepper and tomato plants can deter harmful insects and decrease disease. Herbs can also affect the flavor of nearby plants, offering a tastier harvest. Marigolds can be planted near any vegetable and work as a natural repellant for several harmful insects. Flowers can be planted within vegetable gardens to attract helpful insects. Butterflies help with pollination of vegetable plants. Ladybugs feed off of insects that can be helpful to vegetation.

During Growth

Maintaining a healthy plot of land is essential for higher productivity.

Most vegetables require about an inch of water (about 62 gallons per 100 square feet) each week. “The key is in the watering. Never over water your plants,” said Nick Cardenas, part owner of Seasonal Corner. “Water them in the early morning or early evening, before the sun goes down.”

Over watering can result in roots rotting or fungus growth. Watering when the sun is at its peak can cause the water to evaporate before the plants have absorbed it. Mulch can help maintain an even moisture level within soil and decreases the chance of root rotting.

Vegetables need a constant supply of nutrients. “It's a good idea to fertilize once a week,” said Ashley Ailot, employee at . “We use Miracle Grow here but there are a wide variety of fertilizing options.”

Used coffee grounds can be used as an expensive fertilizer method. Grounds are great for acid-loving plants, such as tomatoes, roses and some fruit trees. Epsom salt also works as a fertilizer alternative. Water plants once a month with a water and Epsom salt combination. Magnesium and sulfate are vital plant nutrients and can help a variety of plants. This method is especially recommended for roses, peppers, tomatoes and potatoes.

Removing weeds is essential in holding nutrient levels in the soil. Root systems need ample room to grow and spread out.

Gardening can be a tricky task. It's important to pay attention to the specific needs of each plant. If done with care, harvests can be a healthier, less expensive alternative to store bought vegetables.