Backyard garden tips from Haley Nelson
Planning to get hands-on in your backyard garden this summer? We have Haley Nelson to help us out. Haley is a professional outdoor lover and an amateur gardener who's filled up her backyard over the years with fresh food she can take straight to the table.
“While it hasn't been easy, it's been a fun, therapeutic and fulfilling way to enjoy different foods in different ways. And more accessible than you may think,” says Haley.
Below, Haley gives us the details on how she got started.
What was the first plant/crop you started with?
I believe the first plant I started with was one of those fully grown basil plants you can buy at Trader Joes. It was a nice way to grab a fast handful of herbs to throw into a pasta dish or salads, but I quickly forgot about it. I began to expand by buying small plants from hardware stores (an easy alternative to starting from seed), and experimented with growing in pots outdoors! using organic soil/compost and starting all kinds of veggies, fruits and herbs from seed.
What's your gardening experience been like?
It's always a learning experience. And it won't be perfect! No matter the experience you have, nature usually has something different in mind, so be patient and open-minded when it doesn't go as you hoped.
I also have to give my boyfriend some credit for building some beautiful tiered garden and raised beds that have been a lifesaver for me. There are some awesome online tutorials that can help you build a DIY garden bed once you decide you want to take it a step further.
Any big 'uh-ohs' and 'accomplishments' from your backyard gardening journey you'd like to share?
If you have multiple things going on in your garden at one time, just make sure you're keeping up with it. There's been many times where I've forgotten to check on something and either the plants will go past being able to harvest or get destroyed by pests. It doesn't take much though, a little pruning, care, and a lot of water goes a long way.
I think a fun accomplishment is finding different ways to use the things I grow. Whether it's throwing a garden-grown veggie into a new dish or finding ways to preserve them like pickling, there is always a way to find a purpose for the things you grow.
Do you have three tips to give to beginners for getting started?
Use your resources! If you're starting from seeds, you can use leftover egg cartons that are biodegradable. If you don't think you have enough outdoor space, try out herbs or veggies in potted containers (just make sure they have enough sun to grow ) . I'm also in several gardening FB groups which have been a great resource for questions or if you're looking for inspiration.
Choose the right plants for your area. There are different zones that define the standard by which gardeners and growers can determine which plants are most likely to thrive at a location. Check out which zone you're in and make an informed decision about what will actually grow in your area.
Pick things you'll actually want to eat. I've made the mistake of planting veggies that I don't actually like, so just make sure what you plan on planting, you plan on eating or giving away to your friends.