Gardening is more than just a leisure pursuit for some people. It offers an excellent way to explore the creative mindset and enjoy a healthier and fulfilling lifestyle. However, you always need ways to improve this skill and get better at maximizing yields with every new season.
Here, we will explore the top 8 gardening methods for you to practice in your backyard and grow delicious fruits and vegetables the way you want.
1. Raised Bed Gardening
Anyone can grow a raised bed garden regardless of their experience. Raised garden beds are constructed as a frame or enclosure made of wood, stones, steel, landscape timbers, or other repurposed materials. Raised beds are becoming popular among gardeners because they offer many plant growth benefits. Gardeners use this method to raise vegetables, flowers, and herbs above the soil surface.
Benefits
According to the University of Minnesota Extension, raised beds have better soil drainage and improved texture, facilitating optimal yield. You gain control over the condition and quality of the soil, leading to successful plant growth and health.
Gardeners with limited mobility or back or knee problems can benefit from raised beds. These beds have less dense soil than ground-level plants, making it manageable to pull out entire root systems and less difficult to weed.
2. Container Gardening
Container gardening is growing plants in pots instead of the ground. It is an efficient method for small spaces and apartments that lack enough room to grow an actual garden. If you live in a hot climate, install a good drip irrigation system and water twice every week to make the most of container gardening.
Benefits
Pots are easier to maintain as they require less weeding and fertilizing. They are less susceptible to pest infestations and pesky plant diseases. You can quickly move these pots anywhere in a sudden cold and harsh weather environment.
It's a great way to start for someone with little experience in gardening. Group them for a fuller look or arrange them per your preference to get a defined aesthetic.
3. Square Foot Gardening
Square-foot gardening is a great and simple method of growing seasoned vegetables and beautiful plants. It involves dividing the growing area into small square sections. The aim is to assist in the planning and creation of a small but intensively planted vegetable garden. You can divide the area into square feet and plant seeds in each section to produce a variety of crops.
Benefits
Compared to conventional gardening, the square-foot method takes less space and fewer watering resources for maximum growth. This planting procedure also comes in handy when dealing with diverse crops including tomatoes, lettuce, or cabbage.
Each crop needs to be a specific distance apart so you can divide the spaces evenly with the square-foot method and get fresh produce throughout the season. For instance, keep a one-foot distance between tomatoes and a four-inch distance when growing the lettuce plant.
4. Greenhouse Gardening
Greenhouse gardening is a reliable method for gardeners who want to extend crop yield beyond the growing season. A greenhouse is a small structure used to grow plants. The transparent material allows the sun's light to pass through it, but it blocks the light reflected by plants from going out. This causes the heat to be retained in the greenhouse, keeping it at a constant temperature.
Benefits
It allows multipurpose gardening as you can grow everything from sweet fruits to savory plants and vegetables in one place.
Further, you can build or purchase a greenhouse. High tunnels are another cost-effective alternative to the greenhouse, helping you enjoy lavish and fruitful growth all year round.
5. Traditional Inground Gardening
When you hear the term gardening, you may envision a small area of ground tilled, planted, and cared for to produce vegetables and fruits. This is what traditional inground gardening looks like. Your plot can be as small or large as you need it to be to grow your favorite vegetables. This garden method will be suitable if you can get down on your hands and knees. You can grow anything you'd like in this type of garden if you maintain it and have good soil.
Benefits
Starting a traditional garden is generally cheaper than building a raised bed. You only need to purchase seeds, soil amendments, and tools. Traditional gardens can be as big as you want them to be if you have the space.
6. Straw Bale Gardening
Straw bale gardening is an exciting method for growing small amounts of food in your backyard. You begin by purchasing multiple bales of straw. Stack them where and how you'd like and wet them down. This will cause the bales to compost. When they have started composting, you add some soil and plant all over them.
A straw bale garden allows you to grow peppers, tomatoes, green beans, and a variety of other crops. It's a simple way to grow a good amount of food in a small space.
Benefits
Straw bale gardens are inexpensive and suitable for locations with limited space. Using a straw bale raises the garden off the ground, making it more accessible to individuals with limited mobility. Additional advantages of this technique include easier relocation of the garden space if necessary and recycling rich organic material into the landscape once the bale has outlived its use.
7. Vertical Gardening
Anyone can use vertical gardening methods to grow fresh herbs and lettuce regardless of where they live. Vertical gardens can grow on balconies, patios, and even indoors.
Vertical gardening methods are a cool style that can be used practically anywhere.
Benefits
Vertical gardening can improve air quality, increase accessibility, and even provide insulation for your home. The possibilities are endless, from adding a pop of green to your indoor space to growing your herbs and vegetables.
8. Edible Landscaping
Edible landscaping refers to a gardening activity that modifies the outdoor space (patio, backyard, garden) to introduce edible plants and vegetables. It promotes sustainable gardening practices and reduces the need for chemicals in the long run.
Benefits
Although the method is time-consuming, it beautifully transforms the look and feel of your space. Besides lowering carbon emissions, you can reduces reliance on commercially grown vegetables and maintain sound health.
Also, it is an amazing way to support local ecosystems and play your part in controlling food security. Just grow this landscape every season by adding more containers and learning through experience.
The Bottom Line
Discover the power of gardening techniques that can turn your space into a flourishing garden. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, these methods are proven to maximize your available space, boost your yield, and create a visually stunning garden.
A high-quality irrigation system is required to water your garden and provide nutrients and proper moisture. Reliable gardening tools and premium fertilizers are also necessary for every garden.
Contact Dripworks on 1-800-522-3747 or our staff through our online chat service. We are available and ready to answer your questions.
