By Lenah Helmke | Photography by Shanna Wolf
As temperatures rise, I find myself craving fresh produce, bustling farmers’ markets and gardens bursting into bloom. Growing up with a mother who was an avid gardener and found peace in maintaining her plantings, I’ve always found comfort in the presence of plants and growing my own produce. I was raised thinking a garden with overflowing nasturtiums, fresh tomatoes and ripe apples was the norm.
Ready to get your hands dirty this spring? Below are some simple strategies to help you start your own garden, from two local experts.
Jenny Zinniker, horticulturalist at UW-Madison’s Allen Centennial Garden, grew up on a farm in Wisconsin and studied community and environmental sociology, environmental studies and food systems at UW-Madison, to gather some advice on starting your own at-home garden. Her work in the kitchen garden at Allen Centennial allows her to be adventurous in what she plants. Currently, she’s preparing to grow a loofah gourd that can be eaten when young and then grows into the object we find in the shower. (Zinniker says she would not recommend this task for a first-time gardener!)
I also spoke with Johanna Oosterwyk, greenhouse manager and horticulture instructor in the Department of Plant and Agroecosystem Sciences at UW-Madison, who emphasized to “go for things you like” when planning out what to grow.
Tip #1: Figure Out Where to Plant Indoors
First, start inside. March is the earliest you can plant seeds because that’s when Wisconsin starts to have stronger sun exposure, says Oosterwyk. Find a south- or west-facing window that will provide plenty of sunlight for your new seeds to grow. When potting your plants, make sure you use a good potting mix and not topsoil to avoid exposing your plant to weeds and other invasive elements.
Tip #2: Get a Great Container
Second, get creative and have fun with your containers. You can use a regular pot, a five-gallon bucket or a railing hanger, Zinniker says. As long as your plant is exposed to a lot of sunlight, you’re good to go. Also ensure you have a solid drainage system to keep your indoor floors and rugs safe.
Tip #3: Decide What to Plant
Begin with something simple, like basil, marigolds or zinnias, which can be planted indoors as early as March. Herbs are always easy too, Zinniker says. You can also start tomatoes and peppers as early as March for them to reach a good size by mid-summer.
Another good seed to start is lettuce. Zinniker advises to plant lettuce four weeks before it will be transplanted outdoors, which can be as early as the beginning of May.
Tip #4:
Remember, every plant is unique in terms of its need for sunlight, irrigation and cultivation, so check each seed packet for instructions. And, if you’re not ready to start your plants from seeds directly, stop by your local farmers’ market — many local farms provide seed starters.
Tip #5: Where to Shop
Check out these local businesses for gardening supplies and seeds:
UW-Madison’s UW Family Gardening Day is another opportunity to further your gardening knowledge and explore campus’s gardens, greenhouses and research facilities.
