In the garden

There’s something so grounding about spending time in the garden, seeing what’s blooming and watching new things grow. A little care and attention can make all the difference when it comes to keeping your garden healthy and thriving. I like to keep my routine simple but consistent.

For blooms, I fertilize every couple weeks to encourage strong growth and more vibrant colors. Roses, Ranunculus, zinnias, peonies, and sweet peas especially respond well to this kind of feeding - it helps them push out bloom after bloom throughout the season. In the vegetable beds, I start fertilizing once the plants are established, using a balanced vegetable fertilizer to support fruiting. Tomatoes and peppers in particular love an extra boost once they begin to set fruit, and I’ve found it really helps to keep them productive all summer long.

Keeping pests at bay is all about early observation, I walk the garden daily and take a close look at the leaves. If I notice any trouble like aphids or whiteflies, I treat them with a gentle neem oil spray or insecticidal soap, both of which are safe for flowers and veggies. I also plant a few herbs and marigolds among my vegetable beds to naturally help deter some common pests. A simple method that works surprisingly well.

Watering is another key piece of the puzzle. I focus on giving the garden deep, consistent watering about once or twice a week, adjusting based on the weather. Early mornings are the best time to water - it allows the soil to soak it up and keeps the foliage dry before the evening.

Finally, tending to the garden is as much about encouraging new growth as it is about maintenance. I regularly deadhead the flowers - especially ranunculus and my roses - to encourage continuously blooming. In the vegetable beds, I harvest radishes when they are small and tender and pick zucchini and cucumbers when they’re young, which not only improves flavor but also encourages the plants to keep producing.

This rhythm of care has become a ritual I truly enjoy - a little time spent in the garden always gives back so much more in return. No matter where you are in your garden journey, every little bloom and every new sprout is worth celebrating, Keep tending, keep learning, and most of all - keep growing.