This article is presented by Croquarium

Gardening is all about diving into a world of exploration, opening up to new foods, and expanding your knowledge and skills when it comes to properly fuelling your body. Having a garden means living to the rhythm of the seasons and enjoying the present moment. Read on to discover where and how to start to ensure you reap all the vegetables, herbs, and happiness you can!  

How much sunlight does your garden get?

Does your garden face north, south, east, or west? Does your house cast a shadow over your garden? These factors will determine how much sunlight it gets. Most crops need between 6 and 10 hours of direct sunlight each day. When it comes to leafy vegetables, 4 to 6 hours should suffice. So, make sure to choose varieties that will thrive in the environment you have.  

Make watering easy

Having access to a quality water source makes planting and watering your garden much easier. Your best option is a hose. However, if you don’t have access to one, you can place a few barrels near your garden or beneath a drainpipe and use them to collect rainwater.

Companion gardening for the win!

Certain plants benefit one another when planted in proximity. Others protect against infestations and pests, and some can even improve the taste of the plants surrounding it! This type of gardening is called companion gardening. Inversely, some plants can hinder others if planted side by side. Inform yourself on the compatibility of the varieties you plan on growing.  

Equip yourself with the right tools

To plant a garden, it’s essential that you have quality tools. Here are the must-haves.

A shovel, for landscaping, reshaping the mounds and planks, digging holes, laying down and spreading the compost and soil, and uprooting plants.

A hoe, to remove weeds, work the soil, loosen the surface of the ground, and mound the vegetables (such as potatoes).

A three-prong garden claw, with a short or long handle, to work the soil, loosen the surface of the ground, and remove weeds.

A trowel, which is sort of like a small shovel, to dig holes during transplantation.

A wheelbarrow, to transport the soil, compost, and garden debris.

A sprinkler, equipped with one head that sprays seedlings and young plants with a fine stream and another that offers a more abundant jet.

Rope, to tie and support plants that require a stake, like beans and tomatoes. 

Identification sticks and markers, to indicate the name of the plants and the date they were sowed and transplanted.

Psst! Here are a few original craft ideas to do with the kids.

Stakes (wooden sticks, metal or plastic rods) are used to support climbing plants or those that need a little extra support, such as tomatoes, beans, peas, etc.

Pruning shears, to trim fruit plants and vegetation, especially later in the season.

A container garden: ideal for beginners 

While your first reflex is probably to plant your garden directly in the ground, you might want to consider using raised pots or planters, ideal for balconies. Aromatic plants are particularly well adapted to this type of cultivation (thyme, parsley, chives, sage, lavender, etc.). Some vegetables (lettuce, spinach, beans, and cherry tomatoes) also grow nicely in such gardening containers. A great option for city-dwellers!

The perfect container…

… should not exceed 1 m in width so that you can easily tend to your plants, and be heavy enough to withstand strong winds.

… should be at least 30 cm deep (ideally 45 cm).

… should have holes in the bottom to help drain excess water and allow the roots to breathe.

Your container garden…

… requires more frequent watering than a ground garden.

… will benefit from the occasional dose of organic fertilizer (compost tea or algae or fish emulsions).

4 tips for reaping the benefits of gardening

1. Start off slow

To make gardening as relaxing as possible, set realistic goals, and keep in mind the growth of your garden in your future plans. Also, gardeners should start off with a small plot filled with robust plants, such as tomatoes, lettuce, carrots, and radishes.

2. Make it accessible

The closer your garden is to your house, the more inclined you’ll be to tend to it daily.

3. Respect your rhythm

There are two types of gardeners: those who don’t mind getting their hands dirty and those who prefer to keep them clean. Respecting your rhythm and limits, and having fun, are the keys to a successful gardening experience.   

4. Connect with your community

A garden is the perfect opportunity to connect with others, even during these social distancing times. Call your grandmother and ask her for her expert tips, reach out to your green-thumbed neighbour, or turn to your trusted garden centre experts. And when your garden starts to grow, share your bounty with others (who doesn’t love getting fresh spinach or squash?). Depending on the disposition, you could even share your garden with other neighbouring families. A garden brings people together! 

Croquarium: get the kids involved

Croquarium is an organization that supports the development and blossoming of children through educational gardening and sensorial education through taste. The company develops educational material and trains children in thousands of schools and daycares across Quebec. They also guide and support groups, communities, and children in various food projects. 

Get your technical guide for gardening with children, Cultiver le goût, available on croquarium.ca. This guide accompanies you step by step, allowing you to create a vegetable garden adapted to your reality, in all simplicity!

Croquarium educational videos

Exploration des plantes potagères

Semis intérieurs (1)

Semis extérieurs (1), semis extérieurs (2)