5 Gardening Myths that are Holding You Back

Beliefs can be limiting. For example, if you tell yourself over and over again that you don’t have a green thumb you may never be able to successfully grow. However, I’m here to tell you that everyone can garden. 

Here are 5 garden myths that are holding you back from your dream kitchen garden.

I need a green thumb in order to grow food

Nope! There’s no such thing as a green thumb. The only things you truly need to have a thriving kitchen garden is sun, soil, water, and the desire to learn. 

You don’t have to be an expert gardener. You learn by doing and the learning is endless. I learn something new every single year in my garden. Remember, success is built on a pile of failures. 

Growing food requires a lot of time

True, it does require some time, but you can plan a vegetable garden that will work with the amount of time you have to dedicate to it. 

To do this you can plan to grow more low maintenance plants such as leafy greens, beans, tomatoes, peppers, and herbs. Low maintenance plants are plants that grow easily, aren’t pest prone, and require little maintenance throughout the season.

A well planned kitchen garden is typically more successful, less time consuming, and less stressful overall.

I need a lot of space to grow food

I started growing food in NYC, where space is a hot commodity. We made it work by growing vertically, planting smaller varieties, and utilizing every square inch of growing space. 

Remember, as long as you have sun, soil, and water you can grow. Small, kitchen gardens are also much more manageable than large vegetable gardens.

The growing season is too short

Most people think the growing season starts in mid May and only goes thru mid September. On the contrary, here in Columbus, Ohio the season can start as early as February if you start seeds indoors. Direct sowing outdoors can begin in late March or early April, as soon as the soil is workable.

Many plants, like spinach, actually prefer the cooler weather and will be more productive if they are started in early spring.  

On the other end, the season can last through to November or even later depending on the weather. Frost tolerant, cool weather crops make a reappearance and can last until temperatures dip into the low twenties. These plants can also be protected in order to extend the season even further.

Growing in pots and planters is easier

Not necessarily. Although this seems like a good way to experiment with growing food it can be problematic and lead to feeling discouraged and thoughts about not having a “green thumb”. 

Pots dry out more quickly and require constant watering. Especially the small pots and planters. When plants are planted in the ground or raised beds their root systems can reach further into the ground to access water. This makes for stronger, more productive plants. 

Growing in pots can stunt root development. Plants may still produce, but may not grow as large or produce as much as they would if planted in the ground.

Instead of growing in pots, try a small raised bed or large patio planter for better success. 

Now that we’ve busted these common gardening myths you are ready to get out there and get growing!

Book your consult now and get ready to grow with confidence in a thriving kitchen garden that is set up the right way, the first time.