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​What should I do first in my garden?

The hardest part of any new venture is getting started. It’s easy to be overwhelmed at the getgo but fear not, breaking down your gardening journey into easy steps can make the process seem less daunting. Let’s get started:

Assess Your Garden: First things first, take a leisurely stroll through your garden space, observing any winter damage, areas of overgrowth, or potential improvements. This initial assessment will guide your planning and help you identify areas that require attention.

Prepare the Soil: Healthy soil is the cornerstone of a thriving garden so survey what you’re working with and prep it for growth.. Begin by clearing away debris and gently turning the soil to aerate it. Incorporate organic matter such as compost or aged manure to enrich the soil with essential nutrients, promoting robust plant growth.

Prune and Trim: Out with the old and in with the new. Trim back any dead or damaged branches from trees, shrubs, and perennial plants. Pruning encourages new growth and enhances the overall appearance of your garden.

Weed Control: Tackle weeds early to prevent them from overtaking your garden beds. Pull weeds by hand or use organic mulch to suppress weed growth while nourishing the soil. Regular weeding sessions throughout the spring will keep your garden looking tidy and vibrant.

Plan Your Plantings: With a clear understanding of your garden's layout and soil conditions, strategize your plantings for the season. Consider factors such as sunlight exposure, water requirements, and plant compatibility. Draw a quick sketch and map out how you’ll create your space.

What's the key to a good garden?

You’ve done the prep work and your seeds or plants are in the ground. Now what? Besides an abundance of patience, the secret to a successful garden is nurturing it regularly.. Here are some key principles to keep in mind as the season goes on:

Water Wisely: Plants need water, especially as the sun comes out and the days get warmer. But there are some ground rules. Water your garden in the early morning or late afternoon to minimize evaporation and ensure optimal absorption. Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation system for efficient water distribution, focusing on the root zone of plants.

Practice Patience: For me, this is the hardest part. The fact is that gardening takes time. Understand that growth takes time, and not every seed will sprout overnight. Embrace the process and celebrate each milestone, knowing you’re on your way to a harvest.

Encourage Biodiversity: Things thrive in nature thanks to a healthy dose of biodiversity. Create that in your own garden by integrating a variety of plants that will attract insects, pollinators, and birds. Companion planting is a great way to make the most of your garden. In placing companion plants together, they mutually benefit from each other’s nutrients, and can aid in pollination, pest control, and flavor.

Continuous Learning: Gardening is a lifelong experience. With each season, your intuition will grow and you’ll gather nuggets of information to aid in your future gardens. Don’t be afraid to experiment with new plant varieties, techniques, and design concepts.

What's the best garden layout?

When it comes to garden layout, the possibilities are as vast as your imagination. Whether you envision a lush English cottage garden or a sleek modern landscape, the key is to design a layout that reflects your personal style and maximizes the potential of your outdoor space. Here are some popular garden layout ideas to inspire your creativity:

Traditional Rows: Ideal for vegetable gardens and formal landscapes, traditional row planting maximizes space efficiency and makes it easy to maintain everything. Arrange plants in straight rows with defined pathways for easy access and visual appeal.

Circular Gardens: Embrace the elegance of curves with a circular garden layout. Plant circular beds with a focal point at the center, such as a fountain or sculpture, to draw the eye and add visual interest. You’ll create your own zen space to go and relax.

Container Gardens: Perfect for small spaces and city livers, container gardens are the way to go. Plant flowers, herbs, and vegetables in decorative pots and containers, arranging them creatively on patios, balconies, or windowsills.

Vertical Gardens: Vertical gardens have gained in popularity in the past years for how versatile and space-saving they can be. Install trellises, arbors, or living walls to support climbing plants and create vertical interest. Vertical gardens are not only space-saving but also add a striking visual dimension to your outdoor oasis.

Naturalistic Landscapes: Embrace the beauty of nature with a naturalistic garden layout inspired by wild landscapes and native plant communities. Incorporate meandering pathways that feel whimsical and natural.

What if I don't have a green thumb?

I wasn't born with a green thumb, but over the years, I’ve picked up tidbits that have helped me with more success each year. Gardening is a journey of learning and a little patience and persistence will lead you to success. Start small, choose low-maintenance plants that suit your climate and soil conditions, and don't be afraid to ask for help.

​How can I attract pollinators to my garden?

Pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds play a crucial role in plant reproduction and ecosystem health. To attract pollinators to your garden, plant a diverse array of nectar-rich flowers, provide shelter and nesting sites, and avoid using pesticides that harm beneficial insects.

​What's the best way to deal with garden pests without using harmful chemicals?

Natural pest control methods are safe and effective alternatives to chemical pesticides. Encourage natural predators such as ladybugs, lacewings, and birds by providing habitat and food sources. Employ physical barriers, such as row covers or netting, to protect vulnerable plants from pests, and practice crop rotation to deter pest buildup.

​How To Plan Your Vegetable Garden

Before you start planting, take the time to plan your vegetable garden. Consider the following steps:

Choose The Right Location

Select a spot with access to ample sunlight (at least 6 hours per day. For in-ground gardens, make sure the space you’re consideration has well-draining soil. Ensure the chosen area is easily accessible for watering and maintenance. For indoor, place your containers near windows that receive ample sunlight. Leafy greens like lettuce and herbs can thrive with around 4-6 hours of sunlight, while fruiting plants like tomatoes may need more. Also consider weight restrictions and wind exposure. Use lightweight containers, secure taller plants to prevent toppling, and choose wind-resistant vegetables like leafy greens and herbs.

Size Matters

It may be tempting to go all in your first season. But it can be very overwhelming, so don’t be afraid to start small. Begin with a manageable garden plot, perhaps 4x8 feet. As you gain confidence and experience, you can expand your garden.

Prepare The Soil

Test the soil in your chosen area and amend it with compost or organic matter to enhance fertility. Loose, well-aerated soil promotes healthy root growth. For balcony or indoor gardens, you’ll be starting from scratch so pick a quality compost or potting soil that drains easily and is packed with nutrients. Container gardening is the go-to method, but not just any container will do. Select containers with proper drainage holes to prevent overwatering.

Select The Best Vegetables

Consider starting with easy-to-grow vegetables like tomatoes, lettuce, carrots, and herbs. These are forgiving for beginners and fruit on their first season. If you’re in smaller, balcony space or indoors, choose vegetable varieties that are well-suited for container gardening such as bush or dwarf varieties of tomatoes, peppers, and compact herbs. Another option is vertical gardens. Leafy greens such as spinach, lettuce, and kale, as well as herbs like basil, mint, and chives, thrive in indoor conditions.

Best Practices for Planting

So you’ve bought your soil and your seeds or plants, now what? Here are my best tips for planting!

Raised Beds vs. In-Ground Gardens

Raised beds provide better drainage and control over soil quality, making them an excellent choice for beginners. Planting directly into your existing ground can certainly be done, but will require you prep and care for the soil before planting.

Companion Planting

Some vegetables thrive when planted together, providing mutual benefits like pest control and nutrient-sharing. For example, plant tomatoes with basil to deter pests and enhance flavor.

Seed Selection And Starting

Opt for high-quality seeds or young seedlings from reputable sources. I’d recommend starting with seedlings for your first go, as they skip the germination stage and provide a head start.

Plant Spacing

Follow the recommended spacing guidelines on seed packets to prevent overcrowding. Proper spacing ensures each plant receives adequate sunlight, water, and nutrients.

​Watering, Feeding, and Maintenance

Now the fun part — tending to your garden. Once everything has been planted and begins to grow, your job is only beginning. Consider these tips:

Watering

Provide consistent, deep watering to encourage strong root development. Watering early in the day is best and it’s worth it to invest in a drip irrigation system or soaker hoses for efficient water distribution. For your container gardens, use self-watering containers to maintain consistent moisture levels, especially in indoor environments with controlled humidity.

Fertilizing

Think of fertilizer as food for the plants. Use organic fertilizers or compost to nourish your garden. Follow recommended application rates and avoid over-fertilizing, which can harm the plants.

Weeding

If you see a weed, pull it! It can compete with your growing garden for nutrients. Mulching around plants helps suppress weeds and retain soil moisture.

Keeping Pests Away

Keep an eye out for common pests and diseases. When you can, Introduce natural predators like ladybugs and encourage biodiversity to maintain a balanced ecosystem in your garden. In small settings, reach for natural pest deterrents like neem oil. Regularly inspect your plants for signs of pests, and address issues promptly to prevent infestations.

​Harvest Time

When the wait is over and your plants look ready to eat, there’s no better feeling. Keep these considerations in mind:

Understanding Harvest Times

Each vegetable has a specific harvesting time. Harvest leafy greens, such as lettuce and spinach, when the leaves are young and tender. Root vegetables like carrots and radishes are ready when they reach a desirable size, while tomatoes and peppers should be picked when fully ripe.

Check Often

Regularly inspect your garden for signs of ripeness. Look for vibrant colors, firm textures, and mature sizes. Overripe fruits and vegetables may lose flavor and nutritional value.

Harvesting Tools

Invest in a few basic harvesting tools, such as pruners or scissors for cutting, and a gentle touch for handling delicate produce. Proper tools can make the harvesting process more efficient and minimize damage to plants.

Storing And Enjoying The Harvest

After harvesting, store your produce properly. Some vegetables can be stored in a cool, dark place, while others may need refrigeration. Enjoy the fresh flavors of your harvest by incorporating them into delicious meals, salads, or even preserving them for later use.

Continual Harvest

Many plants, especially those like beans, cucumbers, and zucchini, benefit from continual harvesting. Regularly pick mature fruits to encourage the plant to keep producing.

What is the easiest vegetable garden for beginners?

For beginners, it's recommended to start with vegetables that are forgiving and relatively easy to grow. Tomatoes, lettuce, carrots, and herbs like basil and mint are excellent choices. These plants typically require minimal care and flourish in a range of environments.

What vegetables grow well together?

Try planting these together: tomatoes with basil, carrots with onions, lettuce with radishes, cabbage with dill, rosemary with sage, and beans with corn. These combinations create a symbiotic relationship that benefits both plants.

​How often should I water my vegetable garden?

This really depends on your climate, soil type, and the specific needs of your plants. As a general rule, water your garden deeply and consistently, aiming for about 1 inch of water per week. Adjust based on weather conditions and the moisture level of the soil.

​Can I use tap water for my garden, or is rainwater better?

Both tap water and rainwater can be fine for your garden. However, if your tap water is high in chlorine or other chemicals, consider letting it sit for a day before using it. Rainwater is ideal as it's naturally free of additives, and plants often respond well to it.

​How do I know if my plants need fertilizer?

Monitor your plants for signs of nutrient deficiencies, such as yellowing leaves or stunted growth. If your plants show these symptoms, it may be time to fertilize.

​What is the best time of day to harvest vegetables?

The best time to harvest vegetables is in the morning when temperatures are cooler, and plants are well-hydrated. Harvesting in the morning helps preserve the freshness and flavor of your produce.

​How can I extend the growing season for my vegetables?

Consider using techniques like mulching to retain soil warmth, row covers to protect plants from frost, and cold frames or greenhouses for temperature control. These methods can help you harvest fresh produce for a more extended period.

How do I know when my vegetables are ready to be harvested?

Harvest times vary for different vegetables. Generally, vegetables are ready when they reach a mature size, have vibrant color, and can be easily separated from the plant.

"Playing Elle Woods was just the highlight of my career, my early career for sure," she tells People. "She was such an underdog, and just trying to find those pieces of her that [were] really vulnerable. That feeling that people underestimate you and think you can't do things."

"I had no idea when we were making it that it was going to touch so many people's hearts," she continues. "The thing I love about Elle Woods is I share that performance with so many young people because of the stage play...I'll have all these cool people come up to me and be like 'I played Elle Woods!'...We're both Elle Woods!"

Elle Woods is, without a doubt, a feminist icon, and it’s safe to say that Reese Witherspoon took her character very seriously.

You may be thinking: “What crazy techniques could Reese Witherspoon have used to create Elle Woods for Legally Blonde? It’s just a character!” At first, we thought that too. Was it really that hard to play a wannabe socialite on a mission to win back her boyfriend before using her intellect to crush it at Harvard Law and save her friend from a murder conviction à la her knowledge of perms? In short — yes, yes it was, and Reese spilled it all on how she transformed into the leading lady we know (and love) today.

In an interview with Harper's Bazaar, Reese mentions that she's always loved how much of a feminist Elle is. “She could have all this really strong ideology about what women could accomplish but she could also be very obsessed with clothes and hair and makeup, which a lot of young women are,” she says.

“The costume designer Sophie De Rakoff and I collaborated — this was our first collaboration — to create Elle Woods," she continues. "In the script it said she had been, like, a sunscreen model. So we knew we were gonna have to do some bikini looks and we were going to have to do bright colors, we wanted her hair really bright blonde."

Elle was meant to come off to others as a classic California Barbie stereotype, the kind of surface-level person who never spent a moment thinking critically. To accomplish this, Sophie and Reese set out to find the perfect costumes to match Elle's 90s supermodel hair, and it was pretty intense, at least according to Reese.

"I remember the first day of going to Harvard that Sophie wanted [Elle] in an all pink leather look because she wanted her to look like a piece of luggage," Reese recalls. "We went to Frederick's of Hollywood to buy the bunny costume together and so I had to try on all these bustiers and make sure that all the bits were in the right places."

But the “look” isn’t all that Reese was committed to. Reese needed to become Elle, sorority houses and all. “I would go and just hang out and listen to what they talked about, and the way they did their nails, and the way they decorated their rooms," she says. "It really influenced how I held my body, how I used my hands in the performance, the cadence of my speech…I took the part really seriously. It was all about just creating [a] character that I really understood throughout the entire shooting, so that you could throw anything my way and I could still stay in character.”

Whew — that’s a lot. Reese’s commitment to the role truly shines through the screen, and has *literally* changed pop culture forever. I mean, we have probably dressed as Elle Woods for Halloween at least a half dozen times.

“The impact of Legally Blonde has been unreal," she continues. "Just the idea that I've traveled all over the world...and had women come up to me and say, ‘I became a lawyer because of Elle Woods’...it's just meaningful. It's very resonant at a certain time in your life where you're really trying to discover who you are, and it's why it's one of my favorite movies I've ever done. It's one of my favorite characters I ever created.”

Honestly, we have so much respect for Reese and the incredible effort she put into perfecting the Elle we've idolized for decades. It’s unimaginable to quantify the impact this character has had on women — and society — as a whole, but if we had to guess, we know it would be enormous.