Becoming A Gardener

   Since I became a Real Estate Agent, I simultaneously picked up a Gardening Hobby, not realizing that Gardening is a way to connect with others. In recent years, I have been openly sharing my personal garden on Instagram and Facebook, which has led to many people asking me how to get started. That number has grown significantly in the last few months. Firstly, thank you for allowing me to share my passion for growing food with you. The heart of the home is the kitchen; let's cultivate the food-growing stories.

 Getting Started:

1. Site Assessment- How much space do you have available? Will you need to maximize a small space with containers? How much sunlight does this space get? What do you want to grow? How close to the kitchen is this space? What is the water situation?

   There are a lot of questions, but don't get overwhelmed with analysis paralysis. Start small, and do not be afraid of failing. The best rule of thumb for a garden is zone one; a zone one garden starts right outside your door to ensure you won't forget about your plants. A zone one garden can be a container, in-ground, or raised bed method; you need it as close to the house as possible.

   Next, Sun and Water: Choose a location with at least 6 hours of sun per day and access to water. A watering can or hose will be sufficient if you start small. Drip irrigation with a timer is helpful if you have a busy schedule. Rainwater collection is also an excellent resource for us here in Florida.

2. Soil: Starting with good soil and compost is a great way to jumpstart your garden. Soil health is directly correlated to the health of the plants you grow. Finding an earthworm in your soil is a good sign your veggies will be healthy. Mother nature is modest, so once you have your good soil, cover it with a light mulch or unsprayed hay/straw. Mulching will suppress weeds and grass and help retain moisture. Don't forget to water.

3. Planting Guide: Knowing what to plant and when is essential in Florida. The UF/IFAS Extension office is an excellent resource for determining when to plant in your area. I have attached the Central Florida growing calendar below.

4. Seeds or Plant Starts: Starting seeds may be intimidating, but this is my favorite way to grow. Starting your own seeds allows you to control the plant's environment. The plants adapt to the conditions you start them in. Plant starts from the local nursery are also great. Started plants allow you to get a jump start in the growing season. The downside is that those plant babies have been meticulously maintained and may stunt growth if planted in the new environment the same day. Be mindful of the plant calendar when deciding on seeds and plant starts.

   Starting a garden takes time and care. The goal is to become a gardener because every year, there are different weather patterns which change the pest cycle. Some plants may thrive, while others are infested with pests. That's okay and completely normal!

    I have taken this blog a step further and am pairing this garden series with a vlog on YouTube (@homezbysteph)! I have started a second garden at the Local Community Garden in St. Cloud, FL, on New York Ave and 8th Street. Follow along as I start a new garden alongside you. This is a public garden, so feel free to walk by and say Hey, Neighbor!

Resources:

https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/media/sfylifasufledu/orange/hort-res/docs/pdf/PLANTING-GUIDE-FOR-VEGETABLES---IN-CENTRAL-FLORIDA-TwoPages.pdf

https://www.youtube.com/@homezbysteph

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