Beginning a Garden

For years, we have worked with numerous customers during the purchase process of our greenhouses; all had a similar goal in mind, but all were coming from different levels of gardening experience.  Some simply wanted a greenhouse to hobby garden and over-winter their plants.  Some utilized it for their business by growing seedlings to sell, or seedlings to plant either by way of vegetables or cut-flower farms. And, some found themselves wanting one to be more self-reliant, some with and some without gardening experience. 

We have had an influx of calls and questions from those wanting to start a garden over the past few weeks - so, we are launching a series here on the blog for beginning gardeners.  Today, we will touch a bit on the history of the garden and why we see such a resurgence.   Over the month, we will cover all things gardening - from selecting your location, soil, seedlings, and everything in between, ending with a garden harvest.  But, then, expanding your garden inside your greenhouse to provide fresh vegetables throughout the winter months.

A lot has changed in our world recently and at a fast pace.  We have witnessed an explosion in the gardening world.  "Our country and the entire world are being challenged in a way we have never experienced.  In response, many Americans are taking appropriate measures by cocooning at home and are striving to be more self-reliant for as much of their own fresh food as possible," stated Tom Johns, President of Territorial Seed Company.  

We personally grow our seedlings in our greenhouse and then harden them before planting into our garden.  Now more than ever,  people are eager to grow their own food.  And, often, this will be the first time they've endeavored to do so.   

Whether it's out of a need or want to grow their own food, or simply a new hobby to busy themselves while being at home more, the gardening world is active. Even before the recent events with COVID19, we have witnessed this old idea and practice resurfacing.  Schools have been implementing gardening classes as almost a lost art and essential life skill.  States and businesses are recognizing a need for this and are providing grants. Families are learning that a farm or huge garden plot isn't needed;  food in abundance can be grown in containers scatted about a patio.  There are so many ways to make this dream a reality. 

Currently, there is a massive pull toward family gardening.  Seed suppliers are reporting record-breaking sales. Online seed and garden suppliers have had to shut down online ordering systems to replenish and keep up with the demand.  The reports are numerous; people want to start a garden as soon as possible.   

While life has slowed a bit for some of us, gardening is proving to be relaxing and recreational, but also therapeutic. It's allowing such a positive experience for families to work together when so many are home together now.  And, the reward can be bountiful in more ways than one. From a historical perspective, gardens have been an essential foundation for our country during trying times. From the Liberty Gardens of WWI and the Victory Gardens of WWII - gardens have been something Americans have turned to time and time again.  "As the war ended, and gardens took over American backyards, those earnest posters of cheery home gardeners and fierce-looking vegetables became a relic of wartime scarcity - until a few weeks ago." said the New York Times the first week of spring.  

According to Tamasin Pemberton, from Perennial Harvest, she admitted that enthusiasm had been a little lackluster until now.  "The pandemic seemed to have prompted an overdue revival," she said, and a chance to share her passion with an audience who were really listening.  It's a lot of people in their 30s and 40s with young families.  People who are really keen but haven't got any experience whatsoever.  It has touched on people's fears about food security - they've seen how bare the shelves are."  

For those raised on farms or with parents or grandparents who were avid gardeners, growing a garden may be in your DNA.  But, with our recent influx of questions from beginning gardeners, we wanted to give you a basic plan to start your garden for the first time in this series.  Our next post will cover selecting your location and getting it ready.   We hope you will return and follow this series!