Top 5 Tips for Creating a Cool-Weather Garden in Your Garage
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Guest blog from Emma Croft of getgardening.info.
If your garage is empty, or a portion of it is available for use, then you have plenty of opportunities to maximize the space.
Rather than relegating it to storage for seasonal clothing and tools, what if you did something more interesting? What if you used your garage for something that could significantly improve your overall health and wellbeing?
One of the best ways to use an empty garage space is to convert it into a cool-weather garden. Not only does the act of gardening itself yield many health benefits, but it gives you the opportunity to grow your own food and keep tabs on your nutrition.
If you’re ready to start a cool-weather garden in your garage, check out these five simple tips. If you’re in Southern California and want help with your garden from an amazing garden coach, check out Sunflower Rich!
1. Choose Your Crops
Your first step will be to select which crops to grow in your garage-turned-garden. Carrots, peas, and beets are excellent vegetables to begin with because they are relatively low maintenance (and delicious)! Some of the best vegetables to plant in winter include those in the Brassica genus family, which includes:
● Broccoli
● Cauliflower
● Brussel sprouts
● Turnips
● Collard greens
● Kale
If you hope to grow your own leafy greens, the cooler months are a great time to plant arugula, lettuce, and spinach. Leafy herbs like cilantro and parsley do well in winter too. Onions and garlic are excellent choices for your cold-weather garden as well.
2. Regulate the Temperature
When it comes to outfitting your garage to accommodate your garden, one of the first components to consider is the temperature. It’s essential to maintain a stable climate so that your crops can grow.
Many gardeners control their garage temperature via space heaters or solar lamps. Note that you don’t need to keep the environment warm; cold-weather crops grow in temperatures slightly above freezing.
Another way to regulate the temperature in the garage is to evaluate the space for any broken windows that are leaking air. Do an online search for “broken house window repair near me” to compare various professionals in your area.
The average homeowner spends $290 to have a window repaired, but your total price will depend on the type of window and repair you need.
3. Light Up the Space
Plants use photosynthesis to convert light into energy. That energy is how they produce fruit, vegetables, and other edibles. That's why it’s so important to put the necessary lighting in your cold-weather garden.
Natural light is ideal, so try to plant your crops where they get plenty of sunlight. If you have a hard time getting enough light on your plants, invest in full-spectrum grow lights.
4. Pick Your Containers
Once you get the temperature regulation and lighting set, think about what types of containers you will use. Many cold-weather plants grow well in bins that you can strategically place on the floor or hang from the wall. Using planters is an excellent way to maximize the vertical space in your garage and keep clutter off of the floor, while shelves are great for storing your bins.
5. Maintain Order
Lastly, you will want to keep your garage garden organized. Otherwise, you will likely lose the motivation to keep tending to your plants. Create a decluttering and cleaning routine that allows you to keep your space tidy and sanitary.
Conclusion
If you have available space in your garage, turning it into a cold-weather garden is one of the best things you can do for your health and wellbeing. Remember to carefully select your crops, and outfit your garage by regulating the temperature, establishing the right lighting, and choosing the right planters.
Finally, be intentional about keeping your garage organized so that you can get the most from your experience and have a tidy space to show for it.
Would you like to read more helpful content or learn about Sunflower Rich’s garden coaching services? Visit SunflowerGardenCoaching.com today!
