Three Ways To Start Turning Your Garden Into a Homestead

As the price of salad items, fruit, and vegetables continue to increase, more people are turning to creating their own homestead and growing their own produce in their gardens.

With the right tools and techniques, anyone can grow their own food, no matter the size of their garden. You can start off with a very low budget, with only a small outlay being for the seeds, unless of course you source the seeds yourself by saving them from any fruit and veg that you eat. And then expand by using raised beds, containers and even a greenhouse or two.

In this article, we explore three different ways to start turning your garden into a homestead, and growing your own produce to become more self-sufficient.

Homesteading With A Greenhouse

A greenhouse can be an excellent addition to any garden, especially for those who want to grow produce all year round. It provides a controlled environment where plants can thrive, and gardeners can regulate the temperature, humidity, and ventilation. When choosing a greenhouse, consider the size of your garden, the amount of produce you want to grow, and the type of plants you want to cultivate. Don’t forget to do a little research into what brands and models are available, either by looking around your local garden center, or by browsing online. Websites that review popular greenhouse brands, such as this one, are vital for helping you choose a good quality greenhouse that’s affordable within your price range.

Once you have your new greenhouse setup, the first step in growing your own with a greenhouse is to prepare the soil. The soil should be fertile, well-drained, and rich in nutrients. You can use a soil test kit to determine the pH level of your soil and add compost or fertilizer accordingly.

Next, choose the plants that you want to grow. Tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers are popular choices for greenhouse gardening, as they thrive in warm and humid conditions. Other options include herbs, lettuce, and microgreens.

When it comes to greenhouse gardening, it is essential to regulate the temperature, humidity, and ventilation. Too much heat or humidity can cause plants to wilt, while inadequate ventilation can lead to fungal growth. Invest in a thermometer and hygrometer to monitor the temperature and humidity levels, and install fans and vents for proper ventilation.

Growing Your Own In Raised Beds

Raised beds are a great way to grow produce in limited space or poor soil conditions. They are also ideal for those who struggle with mobility, as they require less bending and kneeling. When choosing a raised bed, consider the size, height, and material. Cedar, redwood, and composite materials are popular choices for their durability and resistance to rot and insects.

To prepare the soil for a raised bed, remove any grass or weeds and loosen the soil with a tiller or garden fork. Fill the bed with a mix of compost, topsoil, and organic matter, such as leaf mold or manure.

When it comes to choosing plants for raised beds, consider the depth of the bed and the root systems of the plants. Tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants require a deeper bed, while lettuce, spinach, and herbs can grow in shallower beds. You can find some handy growing guides for these types of plants here.

Watering is essential for raised bed gardening, as the soil tends to dry out faster than in-ground gardens. Install a drip irrigation system or water by hand, making sure to water at the base of the plants.

No-Dig Growing Straight In The Ground

No-dig gardening is a method of growing produce without tilling or disturbing the soil. Instead, gardeners add layers of organic matter, such as compost, straw, and leaves, on top of the soil. This method promotes healthy soil and reduces the need for weeding and fertilizing.

To prepare a no-dig garden bed, clear the area of weeds and grass and add a layer of cardboard or newspaper to smother any remaining vegetation. Then, add a layer of compost or other organic matter, followed by a layer of straw or leaves. Repeat this process until the bed is the desired height.

When choosing plants for a no-dig garden bed, consider the depth of the bed and the root systems of the plants. Tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers require a deeper bed, while lettuce, spinach, and herbs are happier being less deep in the ground.

One of the benefits of no-dig gardening is that it requires less maintenance than traditional gardening methods. Since the soil is not tilled, there is less soil compaction and fewer weeds. Additionally, the organic matter added to the soil feeds the plants and improves soil health, reducing the need for fertilizers.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, turning your garden into a homestead and growing your own produce is a great way to save money and improve your health. Whether you choose to grow in a greenhouse, raised beds, or straight into the ground with a no-dig method, there are plenty of options to suit your gardening needs.

Remember to choose plants that are appropriate for your garden's size, soil conditions, and climate, and don't be afraid to experiment with different techniques and methods. With a little time and effort, you can have a thriving garden that produces fresh, healthy food for you and your family.