Invest & Enjoy a Cost-Saving, Energy-Saving Edible Garden During These Sacramento Summer Months – Part 1: A Tasteful & Sustainable Garden
“[Summer]’s a time when eating fresh and healthy is easy and enticing.” Marianne Lipanovich
At CES, we know gardening is it’s most rewarding in the Summer.
That’s why we created this four part guide to prepping, planting, maintaining, and harvesting top Summer crops. We’ll also show you how to make your garden self-sustaining so you can enjoy the benefits your hard work year round!
Should I use store-bought soil, mulch, fertilizer, or natural soil?
Does your natural soil do the trick? Or should you stop by a home improvement store?
For whichever plants you choose, consider your soil’s potential to warm up and provide nutrients to your garden. If you’re in the Sacramento area, it’s likely you’ll need to purchase nutrient-rich soil, as the earth in this area can contain harmful mineral deposits and may already be starved for nutrition.
Depending on what plants you want to grow, you may also need some fertilizer to get you through the Summer, or mulch to protect the young plant from intense heat.
For the true DIY fan, there are tools designed to scientifically determine the health of your natural soil. By reading the tags on transplants, you can find general info on what each one requires to mature. These tools and tips can be found at your local home improvement store.
Should I plant Transplants or Seeds?
Transplants are the most convenient ready-to-plant option and are available at your local home improvement store or nursery. These are a great start for beginner gardeners and people with a busy schedule.
Starting from traditional seeds is a more rewarding experience, and requires more attention and dedication.
If you’re going this route, mature the seeds indoors, then plant after seedlings appear.
What is ‘Sustainable Garden’?
By planting pollinator-friendly flowers, you create a self-sustaining garden that supports itself through a miniature ecosystem.
After harvesting, till the soil and the nutrients leftover from your plants will help fertilize for your next crops. Plus, when you encourage bees and hummingbirds to keep your garden growing, you’re also helping to keep them safe and growing, too!
Black-eyed Susan: Often mistaken for a sunflower, the Black-eyed Susan attracts hummingbirds and butterflies, which are majestic and gentle parts of the ecosystem.
Crossvine: Fresh-smelling and decorative, crossvines are a great addition to any home, and supply hummingbirds with lots of much-needed nutrients.
Culver’s Root: A must-have in every garden, Culver’s Root plants attract bees and butterflies. As the bee population diminishes, their vital role in our ecosystem and food supply becomes more and more apparent. By providing bees with a much-needed food supply, you’re doing your part in your garden and our city!
Whether you’ve got a design aesthetic or minimal space to work with, plant some bee-loving flowers to bring out the best in your garden.
…Join us next time for Part 2. Happy Gardening!
