Essay for the Writing exam...constructive criticism

_{Piece of Cake or Tomato}

_What once was a way of life and means to survival has, in modern day, become a cherished hobby by many. The skills have been lost and put in the hands of the professionals. Gardening, following three simple steps, can be very fulfilling. These steps start with: having a solid plan for your future garden, getting the right fertilizers to feed your future plants, and watering appropriately. These are fool-proof steps to a delicious reward.

Starting your garden without a plan is like traveling without a map. You will find a destination, but it may not be the one you are looking for. Mapping out your garden, and carefully placing your different fruits and vegetables, will help as your plants begin to grow. You may find that some need more sun and others need more room. An experienced gardener, for example, can tell you when growing pumpkin or squash, that the direction of the sun and the spacial planning makes a big difference in the ease of watering and weeding. With your plan, pay attention to the spacing of your rows for a tiller and your watering system. Starting from the underground up is also helpful when planning your garden.

Part of your garden plan should include fertilization. Soil without fertilizer can inhibit the growth of your vegetables. Preparing your soil with an organic fertilizer is a standard base that is useful to most vegetables in your garden. Many websites can give steps to making compost piles and other organic mixes. Pigeon droppings historically are a coveted fertilizer. Fish used commonly by Indians, is still a gem in anyone’s garden. Additional fertilizers with specific Phosphate, Potassium, and Nitrogen levels can be purchased and applied to individual plants. After all your planning and fertilizing you want to be careful to not wash it all away.

Watering can undo all of your hard work. As a general rule, an overhead sprinkler is not an ideal way to go. By implementing a watering plan that includes flood irrigation, soaker hoses or hand watering, you can prevent common garden problems. These problems include: rotting, excessive weeds, and attraction of certain pests. Individual plants have different watering needs and should be considered when making your plan. Any slopes or landscape obstacles in your garden should be considered to prevent too much drainage or standing water. If planned carefully, slopes can be used to your advantage by placing the right seeds in the right places. When done carefully a burdensome task can be made simple.

The immense personal satisfaction of watching your hard work grow before your eyes is healing. You watch confidently when you go in with a plan, the right amount of fertilizer and a good watering system. With these three items in place you will enjoy giving your family and friends nutrient rich foods, larger than anything they’ve seen at the local market.