5 Gardening Tips It's Not Too Late To Implement

This post is for everyone that looked outside their window last week, stared down their empty outdoor space and thought,

"Do I have enough time to start my garden this year?"

I know we are already entering the third week in June but that doesn't mean it is too late to start growing some fruits and veggies. The beginning of the growing season can be unpredictable, but as we enter the more consistent summer months, now is the best time to have your garden ready to grow. You are far from behind, and fresh, homegrown produce is right around the corner. Here are my top quick tips to get you started:

Rock Raised Beds

Raised garden beds are my go to solution for growing in unpredictable soil, but pre-cut kits can be super expensive amidst this gardening boom. The DIY route can be tricky depending on your wood-working skills, so why not try a raised bed made of rocks? I've made raised beds out of leftover stones in my backyard and cinderblocks from a construction site, and it will give your garden an elevated look in no time.

Vinegar Weeding

If you've let your garden grow unattended this long, weeds are probably everywhere. Weeds are really just anything that you don't want growing in your garden, but if you must get rid of them, try using vinegar. It is a cheap, environmentally-friendly option but make sure to sprinkle baking soda on the soil after to neutralize the acidity and balance the pH. Or you can just pot the weeds, and gift them to an unsuspecting friend ;)

Prepare for Fall

Fruiting varieties commonly associated with the summer months (tomatoes, zucchini cucumbers) take much longer to grow. Instead of rushing those crops this summer, why not prepare your garden for the cooler fall crop? Taking the time to build the foundation of your garden before planting again in September is recommended if you love leafy greens, beats and snow peas. Vegetables generally fall within these two categories: cool weather plants and warm weather plants. Planting spinach and kale in the summer may sound like a good idea, but the results often taste bitter, and tomatoes won’t turn red in time if you don't plant them early enough.

Skip the Soil

I'm sure many of you have experienced the struggle of buying a really large planter and not wanting to have to fill the entire thing with soil. I don't blame you either. It weighs it down, it's expensive and it's usually more soil than the plants need! Instead, try filling the void by using wood logs, old nursery pots, or even plastic water bottles. Not only does this take up space, but it promotes better drainage and costs you nothing.