Quarantine and social distancing have inspired renewed interest in gardening and home cooking. These two activities go hand-in-hand as people grow their own produce and herbs that can be plucked just steps from the kitchen. In fact, this movement revived the concept of victory gardens, which were common during the world wars when people were encouraged to grow their own foods to open the supply for the troops.

Victory gardens are trending this summer because people want to positively utilize their space while spending time at home. Growing a victory garden with your family is a wonderful way to bond, enjoy fresh air and lower your grocery bill. With the surge in cooking at home, many Americans are discovering the joy of using fresh items from their gardens.

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Proper care will help ensure a bountiful harvest from your victory garden. Miracle-Gro offers these tips for getting the most out of your garden plants.

ADD SUPPORTS

As garden plants grow, many need a little support. This helps keep leaves out of the dirt, prevents many diseases and strengthens against the elements. For example, pepper plants should be staked to help support the main stem. Tomatoes benefit from a cage to protect the fruit-bearing branches. Plants like peas, beans and cucumbers love to climb a trellis, plus it makes it easier to pick them.

NOURISH WELL

Like a multivitamin for your garden, you may consider supercharging your plants with Miracle-Gro Performance Organics Edibles Plant Nutrition Granules that are made from a mix of natural and organic ingredients. Specially formulated for growing tomatoes, vegetables, herbs and fruits, you simply apply dry and water.

SECOND HARVESTS

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With a bit of smart planning, you can enjoy multiple harvests that provide fresh foods into fall. Early maturing crops like lettuce, radishes and beets can be replanted midto late summer and provide another round of produce. For second plantings, choose fast-maturing, disease-resistant varieties of plants.

WATER WISELY

Be aware of precipitation and how much Mother Nature is providing. Use a water gauge to help if needed. Gardens need about 1 inch of water per week, but you may need to supply more depending on heat and drought conditions. Keep in mind, deeper watering every few days is ideal rather than quick sprinkles, with the early morning hours best to avoid evaporation.

PINCH UP, MAYBE

Small unnecessary stems and leaves can be pruned or hand-pinched to stimulate upward growth. Be sure to research proper trimming per plant variety as each one is unique.

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For additional gardening tips and planting advice, visit miraclegro.com.

This article is courtesy of Brandpoint.