If you've been following our series on how to simplify your garden prep this season - welcome back. Steps 4 & 5 have been posted to social media (@HortikiPlants on Instagram or Facebook) and I'll recap those tips briefly in the post below. Plus today - for the first time anywhere - the last Worksheet of the series to help you pull everything together.
If you missed the earlier posts - catch up here: Steps 1-3: Relax, Dream, and Search Smart
It's one of life's weird truths - organizing is work but often, the more organized you are, the more fun you can have at doing the things you love. Truly enjoy your gardening season by spending a little time up front to get organized in Step 4.
o Start collecting mason jars and other glass containers that can be used as herb gardens and terrariums.
o Consider using storage containers, baskets, and pails in new ways as planters, and soil or compost bins.
Get creative and takes notes as you go, keeping track of the sizes and types of materials you find. A few hours up front getting organized like this will make the rest of your prep a lot more like play and less like work.
Step 5: The last one! Hopefully by the time you're ready for step 5 you are feeling relaxed, and organized, with a clear idea of what you want in your garden this season. Before going out to shop for supplies, my one last suggestion is that you ensure your choices will work for your lifestyle. Step 5 is all about budgeting - your space, your time, and of course, your money.
Since we took time to dream during this process it's important to ensure our dreams are achievable. Take some time to consider your available space as well as how much light your garden will get. Creative ideas like using hanging planters, railings, trellis, and mix-cropping systems (where different plants share the same container) will help you stretch your space.
Secondly, think about how much time you are able to spend in your garden. If you're traveling for several weeks throughout the summer, consider finding someone to water your plants, or select low maintenance varieties like succulents, herbs, and drought tolerant flowers.
Finally, of course, you will have to budget your money. Keep in mind not only the amount you will need to start your garden but also the funds you might need later on. Larger containers, fertilizers, and cool season crops could all be late additions to your garden.
Before you get stressed over the word budget and everything outlined above - take a breath - and download the STEP 5: Budget Worksheet. It will easily guide you through the decisions above so you can end your journey to simplifying your garden prep in ease.
Hope you've found this series useful and that you truly ENJOY every aspect of planning and prepping your garden this season. If there are other areas you would like some tips on, let me know by leaving a comment below.
Thank you!
Plant Love for Life
Dr. Victoria LeBeaux
Founder, Hortiki Plants
IG: @hortikiplants
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