Hey everyone! I'm looking to start a small garden with a few vegetables and herbs, but I work night shifts (from 7 PM to 7 AM). I've always wanted to try gardening but never felt I had the time or energy until now. I've managed to care for some potted plants in the past, but my new schedule has made it tough to maintain them. I usually stay awake until around 9 or 10 AM and wake up around 5 PM, making it challenging to fit in gardening. I really want to avoid spending money on additional equipment like grow lights or greenhouses since I have plenty of natural sunlight in my yard. Does anyone have tips on how I can manage starting a garden with my schedule? Is it even possible?
3 Answers
Starting a garden can really fit into your routine! Beyond the initial setup, you can manage a small garden in just 10 minutes in the morning and a bit later whenever you have time. Since it's late in the season for some places, I'd recommend picking up a tomato or pepper plant—just dig a hole, add some mulch, water it well, and see what happens! You can add supports for the plants later if needed. Plus, most garden tasks are easier early in the morning or late in the evening, so it can work around your schedule just fine!
I also work night shifts and tend to garden in a more laid-back way. I wake up later in the day, usually around 11 AM, but I enjoy the little challenge of gardening without stressing over every detail. I just check on my plants and let them grow as they will! It’s a relaxing hobby on my days off, and I say go for it—gardening can be very rewarding, and you don’t need to over-plan it!
I've set up soaker hoses in my garden, and they're linked to a battery-operated timer. This way, I don't have to worry about watering every day. It saves me loads of time and lets me focus on harvesting or weeding when I can. Plus, the timer is flexible, so I can turn it off if it rains. This could work well for keeping your garden going even with your busy shifts!
How long do you set your soaker hoses to run? I've been thinking about switching from a sprinkler system to soaker hoses.
Totally agree! Just checking on your plants in the early morning can be super beneficial for both you and them. They thrive on that attention and can be left alone throughout the day.