Gardening is a great hobby that not only beautifies your surroundings but also provides a sense of accomplishment and tranquility. As we begin a new year, it's a good time to reflect on our gardening habits and make some resolutions to improve our skills and enjoyment in the coming year. Here are 12 gardening resolutions to stick to in 2023:
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Start a Garden Journal: Keep track of your gardening progress and record the plants you have in your garden, their growth, and any issues that arise. This will help you plan for future seasons and make more informed decisions about what to plant and when.
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Get Organized: Clean and organize your tools, seeds, and other gardening supplies to make them easier to find and use. Invest in good quality tools that will last a long time and make your gardening tasks easier.
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Try Something New: Experiment with new plants or techniques in your garden this year. Try container gardening, raised beds, or companion planting to add variety and interest to your garden.
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Focus on Soil Health: A healthy soil is the foundation of a healthy garden. Improve your soil by adding compost, mulch, and other organic matter to help retain moisture and nourish your plants.
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Conserve Water: Water is a precious resource, and it's important to use it efficiently in the garden. Install a rain barrel, use drought-tolerant plants, and water your garden in the morning or evening when it's cooler and less water will evaporate.
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Grow Your Own Food: Growing your own food can save you money, and it's a great way to eat fresh and healthy produce. Start with easy-to-grow crops like tomatoes, lettuce, or herbs and expand your garden as you gain confidence and experience.
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Attract Wildlife: Encourage birds, bees, butterflies, and other wildlife to your garden by planting native plants, providing water sources, and using minimal pesticides. This will not only make your garden more interesting, but it will also help support the local ecosystem.
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Get Physical: Gardening is a great way to get some exercise and improve your physical health. Make a point of doing some heavy lifting and digging to keep yourself active and fit.
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Learn from Others: Attend gardening workshops, join a gardening club, or read gardening books to learn from other gardeners and expand your knowledge.
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Be a Good Steward: Practice sustainable gardening techniques to reduce waste, conserve resources, and protect the environment. Use compost, recycle yard waste, and minimize the use of chemicals in your garden.
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Give Back: Share your love of gardening by volunteering at a community garden, donating plants or produce to a food bank, or mentoring a new gardener.
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Enjoy the Process: Gardening is a journey, not a destination. Take time to appreciate the beauty of your garden and enjoy the process of growing and nurturing your plants.
In conclusion, these 12 gardening resolutions will help you become a better gardener and increase your enjoyment of the hobby. So, choose a few that appeal to you and make a plan to stick to them in 2023. Happy gardening!