Martha Stewart, the queen of DIY and home gardening, has been making headlines lately for her Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue cover at the age of 81. But beyond her stunning photos, Martha is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to all things home and garden. In this article, we'll take a look at some of Martha's best tips for DIY home gardening this summer.
Martha grew up in a house where she learned to sew, cook, garden, and basically become the future Martha Stewart. Her upbringing heavily influenced her passion for gardening, and she's been known to spend hours tending to her own garden. Martha recommends starting small with a few easy-to-grow plants such as herbs, tomatoes, and lettuce. These plants are perfect for beginners and require minimal maintenance.
One of the most important things to consider when starting a garden is the location. Martha suggests choosing a spot that gets plenty of sunlight and has good drainage. It's also important to pay attention to the soil and make sure it's rich in nutrients. Martha recommends adding compost or organic matter to the soil to help improve its quality.
Once you've chosen your location and prepared the soil, it's time to start planting. Martha suggests starting with seeds, as they're more affordable and easier to find than mature plants. She also recommends planting in rows and spacing the seeds according to the instructions on the packet.
When it comes to watering your plants, Martha suggests doing so in the morning or evening when it's cooler outside. This will help prevent the water from evaporating too quickly and allow your plants to absorb the moisture they need. It's also important to water deeply and consistently, rather than just giving your plants a quick sprinkle.
In addition to watering, it's important to keep an eye on pests and diseases that may be affecting your plants. Martha recommends using natural methods such as companion planting and crop rotation to help prevent these issues. She also suggests using organic pesticides and fungicides if necessary.
As your plants start to grow, it's important to provide support for those that need it. Martha suggests using stakes or cages for plants such as tomatoes and peppers, and tying them loosely to the support as they grow. This will help prevent the plants from breaking or bending under the weight of their fruit.
Finally, Martha recommends harvesting your crops as they become ripe. This will not only ensure that you're getting the freshest produce possible, but it will also encourage your plants to continue producing. She suggests harvesting in the morning, when the plants are at their freshest, and using sharp scissors or pruners to avoid damaging the plants.
In conclusion, Martha Stewart is more than just a swimsuit model – she's also a wealth of knowledge when it comes to DIY home gardening. By following her tips and tricks, you can create a beautiful and bountiful garden this summer. Happy planting!
