Answering your Vegetable Gardening Questions

I’ve been gardening for a few years now and compared to other people I still consider myself a novice. But I guess to true “newbies”- I’m an expert of sorts. I do not know the answer to many gardening questions but a lot of things I have picked up through trial and (a lot of) error. 

In truth that’s really what gardening is a lot of times- trial and error. A lot of getting it wrong to stumble on the right. I’ve compiled a list of frequently asked gardening questions and hopefully, they can help you with your own gardening journey. 

How Often Should I Water? 

It’s such a typical lawyer thing for me to say it depends- but it really does depend. It depends on the temperature where you are located. It depends on how often it has rained how recently it has rained- what type of vegetables you have. For me- in Chicago I water about every few days. I only water every day when it gets REALLY REALLY hot. The cool part is- usually when it gets really really hot- it will rain. And whenever it rains you have bought yourself at least one if not two good days of no watering whatsoever. Now people in Texas, Arizona, California and other hotter locations may need to water daily- and that makes sense for them. Remember your gardens need dirt, and water but also oxygen. You have to give your roots a chance to breathe a little you can’t just keep filling them with water all of the time.

Also when you do water, make sure you water the ROOTS and not the leaves. Focus your water specifically towards the bottom of the vegetables/fruits where the roots are not the top where the leaves are. 

Also when you do water either water early AM before the sun is out and/or in the evening when the sun goes down. If you water too late in the morning or midday you run the risk of burning the leaves of your babies. 

How do you keep the animals and critters away? 

I use a deterrent it’s something that I just purchased from Amazon and so far so good. It’s natural and it doesn’t affect your small pets (which is always a major concern of mine). 

I also purchased a fake owl. At first it worked then I think those squirrels in my yard figured out it was a game and baby that was that. LOL But I leave it because…what else does one do with a fake owl?

What do you use to deal with garden pests? 

The first year or so I gardened I did not do organic gardening but now I do total organic gardening. I ONLY use natural products. One of my most favorites to use is Neem oil. It smells good and terrible but it works. What I love about neem is not only is it a form of treatment it is also a form of prevention as well. Make sure when you use it you use in the early AM or evenings so as to not burn the roots of your plants. Also if you buy STRAIGHT neem oil make SURE you dilute it with water. A dab will do ya! 

Is it too late to start my garden?

No! As of today it’s not too late. You can start planting the vegetables for your fall garden middle to end of July. Depending on your grow zone you can find out what are some plants you can sow right now TODAY that will yield some growth in the fall. In Chicago, this is a great time to plant greens like mustard, collards, turnips and the like. You want to plant them now to prevent your first frost date so they can survive the weather.

I want to start gardening but I’m not sure where to start!  

I was the same way. I hesitated for years before I started gardening and I just didn’t know where to start. Some people say buy a tomato plant. I say- but some kitchen window herbs. They are SO forgiving. You can throw some dirt and seeds in a mason jar and you’ll be amazed at what can grow. I have some basil that I grew 2 years ago that’s still growing! I use it in my Italian dishes and it’s so powerful. I’ve also grown cilantro, and chives in my kitchen window. 

It’s ok to start small. 

Check out the full video below of me answering your gardening questions! And make sure you comment below some of your own FAQs!