Long Island: How to Find Your Inner Green Thumb

With the weather warming up, it's a great time to experiment with gardening. Not sure you have a green thumb? Don't worry, it's easier than you think! Even some of our real estate agents who have never gardened before are excited to start this new hobby. Here are some of the best tips to help you get started.

1. Decide What You Want to Grow
   First, it's helpful to think about what you want to grow. Do you want a full vegetable garden with a variety of foods? Would you prefer to plant some pretty flowers? Or maybe a small herb garden is more your speed.
   
   Don't over-think it! There's no right or wrong answer to this question and, remember, you can always change your mind next year.
   
   
2. Choose the Perfect Location
   Choosing the right location can make or break your garden. You'll want to find a spot that gets 6 to 8 hours of full sunlight a day. If you can also put your garden in an area where it's blocked from wind, this is a bonus.
   
   Try to make sure the area you choose is flat and that it's in a spot where you can easily see it. This way, if the plants need some attention, you'll know right away. It's also a good idea to make sure the spot you choose isn't too far away from a water source. 

3. Get Your Soil Ready
   Once you've decided on the spot, you'll need to remove the grass that's covering the soil. Then, turn the soil and add some compost and/or fertilizer. If you're putting in a small garden, you can easily do this with a spade or shovel. For larger gardens, you're best off getting your hands on a roto-tiller.
   
   
4. Choose Your Plants
   Now that your garden is prepared, it's time for the fun part! You can either grow your plants from seeds or pick up some that are already started. Just make sure to read the tags so you choose plants that will do well with the climate, soil, and sun exposure your garden has to offer.
   
   Some of the easiest vegetables for beginners to grow include lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers. If you prefer flowers, consider sunflowers, marigolds, pansies, and Black-Eyed Susans.
   
   
5. Set Up a Watering Schedule
   Watering is super important! If you're starting plants from seeds, you'll need to water them every day so they don't dry out. Newly transplanted plants need to be watered every other-day until they're established. 
   
   Once your plants have been in the ground for a while, the best way to tell if they need to be watered is to feel down about three inches and see if the soil is dry. If so, go ahead and water them.
   
   
6. Add Some Mulch
   Adding a bit of mulch to your garden will help hold in moisture so you don't need to water as often. It will also cut down on the amount of weeding you'll need to do. Using an organic mulch will give your garden a great smell and will help to fertilize your plants as it breaks down.
   
   
7. Enjoy Your Garden! 
   That's it! Now you just need to sit back, relax, and watch your garden grow. 

Even with current events, you'll be glad to know that you don't have to put your real estate goals on hold. Contact us today to learn how we can help you buy or sell a home right now.