Tips, tricks, and ideas for making the most of your garden.

Tips, tricks, and ideas for making the most of your garden in Saskatchewan.

Are you looking to get a beautiful garden for your home, but are completely unaware of where to start? Many of us can feel this way, especially if we live in climates which may not be as accommodating to the beautiful flora we want for our homes. The at times harsh weather and Winters of Canada can make maintaining a garden especially difficult for some. But there are solutions, and we’ve done our best to compile them here for you. We’ll give you ideas for what you should be looking to plant, tips and tricks to make sure your garden stays growing, and hopefully; a feeling of encouragement to know that you too, can have a beautiful garden.

Know what you need to be planting.

Keep in mind, not all plants will survive in this climate. Saskatchewan in the Spring however, offers a great fertile soil and climate to help you with growing a vegetable garden. In the last week of May, or when the last frost has cleared from the area; it’s recommended to plant things such as beans, lettuce, and spinach. These plants require minimal care; and can often be planted indoors or in container or greenhouse spaces and still flourish.

Be mindful of what can damage your crops.

One thing a lot of gardeners often fail to consider, is the destructive power of the climate they grow in. For one, wind should always be considered when planting your crops or garden. Be sure to plant in an area where wind is minimal, or where it cannot get a “hold” on your vegetables as easily. Plants such as lettuce, cabbage, spinach, and other leafy greens should be treated with particular caution; as their leaves give more wind flow to them and may cause them to be uprooted more easily. Be mindful as well about planting your garden in the right amount of sunlight. You can always add more soil or water, but you can never add or take away sunlight once everything is planted. Try to get an idea of how the sun shines down on your land, and where you think your plants will thrive the best. It’s good to give them direct access to the sun to ensure growth; while also making sure there is a bit of shade to avoid withering the plants themselves.

Keep things level.

One rule of gardening we also often forget is to keep things level and even! Especially in Canada, much of our land is thankfully flat. This lends itself to gardening, as an even level garden prevents soil erosion and allows for proper hydration and water flow to all of your crops. If you can’t make things level, it’s recommended to dig deeper into your garden in a “stairway” like fashion, where you’ll be able to evenly water your crops for a specific area and avoid overflow, improper watering, or the aforementioned erosion of soil. Speaking of…

Keep your soil healthy.

Your garden simply won’t survive if you’re planting it in sub-standard soil. While your soil may not be perfect; natural fertilizers can assist with increasingly the soils fertility. It is recommended for health reasons that gardeners not use pesticides or synthetic fertilizers, as these can have adverse health effects when ingested by human beings. It’s also recommended to avoid walking near or on your soil, as the impact of weight may damage soil fertility.

Keep away pests, and pets.

Whether we want to admit it or not, our furry friends might be a detriment to our gardens. It’s good practice for a gardener to fence off their growing area. This helps keep out not only cats and dogs we may have in or near our homes; but helps to deter wildlife as well. Given that we want to grow our gardens without the use of pesticides, try planting Thyme or Marigold; which can ward off hostile insects. Moreover, to avoid wildlife from sneaking in and grabbing a snack; it’s recommended to regularly rotate and change the plant position of your garden, to keep predators from becoming confident in its layout.

Consider indoor growing.

One thing we can thankfully try if our outdoor gardens are failing is bringing the job indoors. Plants such as beans, lettuce, and spinach do not grow to be absurdly large; and thus you’re able to grow them inside. Simply plant them in a plastic soil container, place new the sunlight via a window, and water them regularly. Plants such as beans will usually propagate in 3-5 days using this method. Note, that since you’re growing these plants in smaller containers however; that they may not reach full size.

Accept that your garden might die.

One thing you have to be prepared for no matter what, is the fact that your hard work might not pay off. Gardening is both an art and a precise science; and there’s a lot of trial and error in figuring out what works for you and what doesn’t. Do your best to be mindful of all factors when you begin your garden, but also keep in mind not to beat yourself up if you fail to consider something and the garden doesn’t survive. It’s okay for you to make mistakes in the beginning stages, especially if you learn something from them!

Remember to enjoy what you’re doing.

While this might sound hokey or cheesy to some, it is important to remember that at the end of the day; gardening can be an artistic, fun, creative expression just like painting or writing. Remember to take some time to remember why you’re gardening, how it plays into your life or why it feels important to you. Introspection and reflection on why you’re gardening might not only give you more ideas for what to do with your garden, but it can also provide comfort if things don’t initially prosper or work out like you plan them to.

Happy gardening!