Do you have a passion for gardening but feel limited living in an apartment? Are you ready to plant some hearty vegetables to harvest and enjoy in your home? Camden North Quarter has garden plots available for residents to add to their lease at no charge! Reach out to the leasing office to see the available plots! 

Now, you’re ready to start a garden. Where to begin? Here are a few tips for starting a garden! 

Photo courtesy of Bianca Welsh

Step One: What type of garden are you looking to have? 

In the large 2ft x 4ft garden plot, the possibilities are endless! You can grow vegetables, flowers, herbs, even trees! A few options would be starting from seeds or buying young plants from a nursery or garden center to give you a head start.  

Selecting plants that are suitable for your growing conditions is very important. Factors such as the climate, soil type, and the amount of sunlight your garden receives can be vital. Most fruits, vegetables, and flowers thrive in full sun, typically 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. If you’re a beginner, start with easy-to-grow plants that do not require much care. 

Step Two: Preparation! 

It’s best to have a few simple gardening tools when planting. Gardening gloves to keep your hands clean and safe from any sharp rocks or shells. A kneeling pad can help alleviate any pain you may experience while kneeling. Finally, a small shovel is necessary for digging a deep enough hole for the plant or seeds. Before planting, remove weeds and rocks, and loosen the soil to a depth of 8-12 inches to allow roots to penetrate easily.  

Photo courtesy of Bianca Welsh

Step Three: Plan the Garden Layout 

Consider the size and shape of the garden plot provided. Think about factors such as accessibility and potential areas for future expansion. Be sure to include the appropriate planting depth and space so the plants will have room to grow happily. It helps to map out where each plant will go before planting.  

Photo courtesy of Bianca Welsh

Step Four: Planting! 

Good soil is essential for a successful garden. You must feed your plants before you expect them to provide for you! Your soil should be full of all kinds of vitamins and minerals when you’re growing a food garden. It also needs to be permeable, which means it holds water and allows air for the roots.  

After planting, apply a layer of mulch around the plants. This will help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and improve soil health. Common mulch options include straw, wood chips, or compost. 

A well-watered garden is also key! The garden plots at Camden North Quarter have automatic sprinklers that water each box at 5:00 am. There are also multiple garden hoses nearby for resident use. 

Photo courtesy of Bianca Welsh

Remember, gardening is not just about the end result; it’s about the journey of learning and the process of nurturing plants and watching them grow.  

Not much for gardening? No worries! Check out the benefits of local co-op options for locally grown fruits and vegetables near you.