Hello MIFFS viewers! This week, we thought it might be fun to share some garden planning resources for the upcoming year. Planting and harvesting a garden in your backyard can be extremely rewarding! What's more amazing than fresh produce that you grow yourself?
Michigan State University Extension has a great checklist to keep you on track. It shows what gardeners should be doing each month of the year to get the most out of their garden:
Site Location
It is essential for gardeners to understand the importance of having good soil, proximity to a water source and the correct amount of sunlight in order for their plants to thrive. When starting a garden for the first time, think about where your garden is located in proximity to your kitchen and how easy it would be to run out to the garden for a quick vegetable. If you are a new grower, it might be smart to start small and grow more once you get the hang of it. Gardens can take up a lot of time, so it's important to know how much you can handle.
Your plants need lots of sunlight to create carbon dioxide and water through photosynthesis. Make sure that you pick an area that gets about 8 to 10 hours of sun every day. Plants also need water for optimum growth so it is important to have clean water that is easily accessible to your garden. Along with sunlight and water, soil is equally important for your garden. Having fertile and well-drained soil is essential for a successful garden.
Growing and Harvesting in Michigan
Since Michigan's weather can be unpredictable in all areas of the state, it would be smart to learn about the USDA plant hardiness zones. Our state has 4, 5, and 6 zones. Here is the map to see what zone you live in:
ZONE 4
Can withstand temperatures on average between -30 and -20 degrees Fahrenheit.
ZONE 5
Can withstand temperatures on average between -20 and -10 degrees Fahrenheit.
ZONE 6
Can withstand temperatures on average between -10 and 0 degrees Fahrenheit.
Reasons to create your own Garden
Planting a garden can have many benefits to your overall health and well-being. Here is a list of reasons why planting and harvesting your own garden can help you in your everyday life:
Gardening is a meditative practice
We learn how to be patient
We have the opportunity to build strong relationships with others
Provides a sense of achievement and satisfaction
Improve our problem-solving skills
Ability to increase one's self esteem
Gardening is an easy and fun way to express your creativity!
Rise Up & Dig In!