Go Garden BY FUNANYA IKECHUKWU
Gardening is a favorite pastime for many people, and during the pandemic, gardening has risen in popularity. According to reuters.com, U.S. seed company, W. Atlee Burpee & Co, sold more seed than any time in its 144-year history in March 2020. In research taken from the company, Scotts MiracleGro, more than 55% percent of adults are gardening this year, as reported by gardencentermag.com. The reasons cited for this uptick in gardening are the access to fresh food, gardening helps to reduce stress, and to stay busy. Gardening is something that anybody can take up as a hobby, even if you do not have a green thumb. The first step to starting your own garden is to figure out where you will have it. Do you want it on your front lawn? Do you want to start your garden at a community garden center? Do you want your garden to be a vertical standing garden? Figure out where exactly you want to deposit your plants so that you can buy the correct planting pots. Indoor plants may require terracotta pots, whereas outdoor plants may require biodegradable planting pots. You will mainly need a garden hoe, fertilizer, mulch, water, and pots. Some plants require different tools so make sure to do research on what is needed for a plant to grow successfully. According to pinchofseeds.com, all-purpose fertilizer (granular) works the best for nourishing your plants. In an interview with, Janine Almanzor of UCR Botanic Gardens said, “ If you don’t have much space you can start a garden in pots. Otherwise, you need some ground space. Depending on what you’re growing and your soil type, you may need to amend the soil. Some items you may
need are a shovel, trowel, kneeling pad, plant labels, and mulch.” According to an interview with KC Cancilla of The Root 66, said, “The community garden has everything needed to start your own garden.” Next, choose what you want to grow. Beginners can start with fruits or vegetables. Some suggestions are spinach, kale, cabbage, carrots, potatoes, bell peppers, and strawberries. Small succulents and herbs that you can put on your windowsill are also easy to take care of. Cancilla said, “Radishes are a favorite plant for new gardeners and children.” Almanzor said, “Succulents are great
planting plants in the wrong location. You need to do your research to learn what the plant needs in light of water, sun, soil, heat, and frost. You also shouldn’t overplant. Allow enough space for the plant when it’s mature,” said Almanzor. There are many benefits to having a garden, according to UNC Health Talk. Gardening has been shown to improve well being by lowering stress, increasing vitamin D. It can also provide local wildlife food and shelter. ‘‘More people should start supporting community gardens or have their own gardens so they can be healthier physically and mentally,” said Almanzor. Gardens are a great way to relieve stress and a great way to get some fresh food. It can also be a fun challenge. Embarking on a gardening journey however can yield more benefits in the long run for the environment and your health. If you do not want to start your own personal garden, you can support your local community garden, usually for a small annual fee. The Root 66 and the Loma Linda Community Garden are always accepting members.
“More people should start supporting community gardens or have their own gardens so they can be healthier physically and mentally.” -Janine Almanzor to start with because they’re easy to grow unless you overwater them. Vegetables and herbs are good also because you get the reward of eating what you’ve grown. My favorite is flowers because it makes it so pretty to look at and you can bring cut flowers into your house.” Also, remember to manage your gardens properly so that they can thrive. The main thing I’ve learned is that you need to check your garden regularly and that way you can notice problems, like insects or wilting plants, right away before it’s too late. A watering system on a timer is very helpful in inland areas where we don’t get much rain. “You should avoid
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Garden Starter Pack Pot Soil Shovel Seeds/ Plants Water
