If you've read any of my past posts you've probably noticed that I love flowers (just look at yesterday's). Growing up my dad brought my mom home a fresh bouquet of flowers every week and for every holiday. I think they're the easiest way to brighten up a home and make it feel more alive. Since this is the first year I've had my own space I decided I want to take a shot at growing my own flowers. Even though I live in a Brooklyn apartment I've done some research into container gardens and i think I can get one going on my fire escape (I'm not positive how my landlord is going to feel about this but we're going to give it a try).
Since I know absolutely nothing about growing anything I've been doing a little research on how to start a garden of your own, specifically one in a small urban setting. Below are some of the tips, definitions and ideas I've gotten so far.
Since I know absolutely nothing about growing anything I've been doing a little research on how to start a garden of your own, specifically one in a small urban setting. Below are some of the tips, definitions and ideas I've gotten so far.
This is the dream.
lingo
Pruning - the selective removal of parts of a plan, such as branches, buds or roots.
Deadheading - cutting off a bloom that has run its course so the other buds can bloom.
Annuals - a plant that completes its life cycle, from germination to the production of seed within one year and then dies.
Perennials - a plant that lives for more than two years.
Deadheading - cutting off a bloom that has run its course so the other buds can bloom.
Annuals - a plant that completes its life cycle, from germination to the production of seed within one year and then dies.
Perennials - a plant that lives for more than two years.
tips
- Do your research. Find out what zone you're in so you know what kind of plants will thrive in your area. Whether you're going to be planting flowers or edibles every website I looked at talked in zones.
- Don't go overboard. If you're a beginner it's important not to take on too much. I for one want gardening to be something relaxing I can do in my spare time, not a chore that I dread dealing with. Everyone I spoke to said to seriously consider how much effort you want to put in and go from there. If you're going to be away all summer or don't feel like watering your plants everyday this might not be the hobby for you. I plan on starting with one or two different flowers and seeing where that takes me.
- Be mindful of watering. Under-watering or over-watering your plants is a great way to cut your gardening adventure short. Make sure you're giving the plants enough water so that the soil absorbs it. However, you don't want to drown the roots either. I read in several places that you should stick your fingers about two inches into the soil before watering to test how wet it is. If the soil two inches down is dry then water away. Also, if your plant is limp or has yellow leaves it's most likely been over-watered.
- Don't skimp on soil. This is the biggest thing my mom said to keep in mind when shopping for supplies. She's all about a bargain but she said cheap soil won't allow the plants to grow. Go for the good stuff so that they can really take root and flourish.
- Don't go overboard. If you're a beginner it's important not to take on too much. I for one want gardening to be something relaxing I can do in my spare time, not a chore that I dread dealing with. Everyone I spoke to said to seriously consider how much effort you want to put in and go from there. If you're going to be away all summer or don't feel like watering your plants everyday this might not be the hobby for you. I plan on starting with one or two different flowers and seeing where that takes me.
- Be mindful of watering. Under-watering or over-watering your plants is a great way to cut your gardening adventure short. Make sure you're giving the plants enough water so that the soil absorbs it. However, you don't want to drown the roots either. I read in several places that you should stick your fingers about two inches into the soil before watering to test how wet it is. If the soil two inches down is dry then water away. Also, if your plant is limp or has yellow leaves it's most likely been over-watered.
- Don't skimp on soil. This is the biggest thing my mom said to keep in mind when shopping for supplies. She's all about a bargain but she said cheap soil won't allow the plants to grow. Go for the good stuff so that they can really take root and flourish.
flower choices
What you choose to grow will depend on your zone and the area you'll be growing in. I did some research for flowers that would be good in a small space and also in a location that's a little higher up than a regular garden since I have to keep wind in mind. I'm going to be heading to a nursery to get my started plants and plan on asking their advice on what to grow, but here are the flowers that my research has told me should do well in a container or balcony garden:
- Marigolds
- Begonias
- Gardenias
- Geraniums
- Sunflowers
I'm sure there are a ton more but these are the ones that interested me. I'm also anxious to find out if peonies or hydrangeas will work in my garden. If you're looking for an easy to grow and useful plant, apparently herbs are a good choice for gardens like these. I'll be sure to update you all as my garden adventure continues!
- Marigolds
- Begonias
- Gardenias
- Geraniums
- Sunflowers
I'm sure there are a ton more but these are the ones that interested me. I'm also anxious to find out if peonies or hydrangeas will work in my garden. If you're looking for an easy to grow and useful plant, apparently herbs are a good choice for gardens like these. I'll be sure to update you all as my garden adventure continues!