Since the dawn of time, anything that lives has struggled to keep living. Over the years, all the species that needed to feed became very adept at hunting, foraging, scavenging, and killing for survival. Humans in particular, are at the very top of the food chain. In fact, we are so good at dominating that we have reduced the planet’s resources to its stripped essentials. Now, a vast number of earth’s human population is struggling on a daily basis because of dwindling resources and over-reproduction.

Even societies that are well-off can no longer depend upon the ease of living that they have become accustomed to through decades of instant gratification. The economy is unstable, resources are fast becoming scarce, and inequality is becoming more and more widespread. In short, uncertainty is now the common word.

As such, committing to a more sustainable way of life is now more relevant than ever before. For this to be done, reliance on others to provide the solution for you must be shredded to the bare minimum. There are things that you can do for yourself, which require nothing more than a little dedication and imagination.

In line with this, it isn’t such a bad idea to have your very own garden. Not just any garden though. It has to have everything you need that is essential for everyday functionality. Though this goal is not extremely difficult, it is not necessarily easy to obtain either. So brace yourself.

Set up a clear goal

Though most people would think that the goal here is pretty obvious (i.e. a garden that will allow you to live off it), it still helps when you have one that is more specific. For example, in what way do you want it to help you? Do you want more energy? Does your current diet require a lot of protein? Does your job need a lot of mental exercise? These factors will allow you to narrow down the things to be grown in your garden. After all, you won’t be growing crops equal to an entire farm.

Get a feel for your land

Since the land where most people can have an immediate use for having a garden is within their own property, the land must be evaluated carefully. There are plenty of considerations when growing plants and you just don’t burrow seeds and expect them to grow in just any terrain. Therefore, you have to determine if the earth is sandy, rocky, muddy, grassy and the like. That way, you can make the best decisions out of the results you gain.

Clear it up

Like the pimples on your face, bumps and blemishes on the ground won’t do your garden any good. So clear away those pesky rocks, pull out those wild weeds that will compete with you plants, and then get rid of any plastic and other synthetic trash. Remember, only garden stuff belongs in the garden.

Give your soil a little boost

Believe it or not, the earth can get tired and sick. Well, not in the same sense as humans though. It dries up, cracks, becomes barren and dies. To remedy this, the soil will need some help. When you have already picked out thearea you will be growing stuff in, try putting a thick layer of compost over all of it. A three inch blanket of leaves, grass, and manure will do wonders with it and gets your land kicking in no time.

Break it open

Once your soil becomes humus, digging it up will allow your plants to have deeper roots. This is essential to make sure that it receives a lot of water and nutrients from the earth. While doing this, it’s a good idea to mix in more compost.

Choose your plants

Plants can be acquired in two ways; seeds or seedlings. If you want a grander experience growing your choice greens, pick the seeds and grow them yourself. If you want convenience, buy seedlings from farms or grocers and just transfer them into your garden.

Planting time

For this, make sure to read some context materials regarding the proper ways to plant your particular choices. Example Cacao which bear cacao bean use to make cacao powder and chocolate their seedlings are often sheltered by other trees. Different plants need different methods of planting after all.

Don’t let them die

Planting is easy. Keeping the plants alive is not. You have to shade them when it gets too hot, water them at regular intervals and keep the pests away. The only general rule to doing this properly is to simply love them as your own and pay attention where it’s needed.