Jerry Baker is a popular gardening expert who is widely known for his best-selling books and radio show. His advice is based on years of experience and provides eager gardeners with shortcuts, home remedies, and time-tested tips for successful gardening.
However, he is also widely criticized by plant scientists for his advice. In fact, many PBS stations have been pressured by horticulturists to drop his shows.
Lawn Care
Using the right tools and materials can lead to a greener tomorrow. The best way to achieve this is to start with a plan for what you want and then do your homework. This involves identifying your goals, assessing your soil and water resources, and putting into practice a sustainable gardening approach. In addition, you can’t forget about your pets or children. You’ll also need to plan for a budget that doesn’t skimp on both supplies and time. The good news is that most households can afford to invest in a well-planned garden with a little thought and effort. You can be proud of your efforts and enjoy the fruits of your labor for years to come. Luckily, you can find an array of reputable gardening experts to help you along the way.
Vegetable Gardening
A vegetable garden provides fresh, homegrown fruits and vegetables. It also promotes a healthy diet and lowers food costs by reducing grocery purchases. Vegetable gardening is a rewarding activity that can be done by anyone who has the time and space for it.
Vegetables are herbaceous plants whose fruit, seeds, roots, tubers, bulbs, stems, leaves or flower parts are eaten as food. These include corn, beans, peas, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, onions, kale, lettuce, tomatoes, squash and sweet peppers.
To get the most from your vegetable garden, prepare the soil properly before planting. To do this, Jerry Baker recommends adding Epsom salts, coffee grounds and lime to create a homemade soil tonic.
It’s also important to keep out unwanted visitors like deer, raccoons and rabbits. Vegetable gardens that are well-fenced can prevent pests from entering the garden and browsing on your crops. Identify any signs that your garden is attracting wildlife, such as footprints or droppings, and remove them before they damage your produce.
Flower Gardening
Flower gardens are a fun and rewarding way to enjoy nature in your own backyard, terrace, or balcony. Their colorful blossoms add vibrancy to any landscape, and many flowers attract a variety of pollinators.
The first step in planting flowers is to determine your growing zone. The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map will show you what flower varieties are suitable for your region.
Next, prepare your garden soil by adding a layer of organic mulch. This will keep weeds at bay, help prevent soil erosion, and retain moisture.
Finally, water your newly planted flowers regularly. Generally, garden flowers need 1 to 2 inches of water per week.
After plants are well hydrated, use a liquid organic flower fertilizer to keep bloom production high. Never leave spent flowers on the plants because they reduce production. Pick new blossoms several times a week, as soon as they open.
Fruit Gardening
Fruit gardens are a great way to harvest fresh, home-grown produce. From summer’s sweet strawberries to fall’s crisp apples, nothing beats the taste of fresh fruit grown in your own garden.
If you’re planting a new fruit garden, be sure to choose a location that is sunny and sheltered from wind. Most fruit plants grow best in a spot with full sun, but some bushes can tolerate some shade.
The soil should be well drained to help prevent fruit plants from drying out. Almost any type of container will work, but it’s important to use a pot that has holes in the bottom so it can drain properly.
A mulch of organic material such as home-made compost, weed-free bark, straw or leafmold will keep the soil moist and reduce weed competition. It’s also a good idea to get the soil tested every few years to ensure that it is properly enriched with the nutrients it needs for healthy fruit growth.