April 2026 "Grow a Garden" By Leslie Rivera

Why?

Growing your own produce can be rewarding and provide certainty in what is in your produce. It also gives you something to dedicate your time to that has a tangible reward.

Plants to Start With

A good beginner plant is potato; it will sprout in nearly any environment and is quite hardy. Another is herbs like oregano and mint, which are notoriously hard to kill. Do be warned, never plant them outside of a pot because they will grow out of control.

If You Have No Space

Small plants like cilantro and basil will be perfect, as they’ll need to be potted, and low-sun plants will also be ideal. Strawberries also do not take up much space. Joining a community garden is a possible option as well.

How?

First, check what the weather will look like for the next few months and what can be grown during a particular season. Next, think of what you want to grow and how much care you’ll need to dedicate to your garden. If you have pets, like I do, you’ll need barriers to keep your pets and your plants safe. 

Natural Pest Repellents

-Ladybugs. They will take care of any aphids eating your plants.

-Plants like lavender, marigold, and basil help deter pests like mosquitoes and aphids.

-Other produce, like onion and garlic, keep pests away.

Care Tips

-Trim dead plant matter regularly to maintain the overall health of your plant.

-Make sure to research what your plants need, including support and spacing.

-During the summer, it is better to water your plants when it's sundown to allow your plants to drink the water before it evaporates.