Celebrating National Gardening Day on Long Island

It’s definitely not a secret that we adore all things automotive, but that’s not the only thing we love!  Our staff have each got lots of other hobbies and pastimes, some of which includes gardening.  So we thought it only fitting that we celebrate National Gardening Day by highlighting local greenhouses and garden centers, and some tips on how to start your own mini garden at home.  So hop on in your new car from Atlantic Auto Group and get ready to pack it full with plants and spring gardening supplies!

 

 

Gardening is not only great for boosting the local wildlife, bee, and plant population but it also has many health benefits:

• A boost of Vitamin D from being outdoors in the sunshine!

• You can boost your mood with just 30 minutes of gardening thanks to its ability to lower the stress hormone cortisol.

• It’s fantastic physical exercise and aerobic activity to help you raise your heart rate and break a sweat.

• It can improve your mental health by boosting confidence, increasing a feeling of happiness and satisfaction, and a dose of healthy self-esteem from a successful venture.

• It’s a bonding experience with your friends, family, and community

 

Did you know that you can join a community garden if you don’t have room at your rental or home?  There are lots to choose from!  The incorporation of community gardens, flower beds, container gardens, and even small orchards can reduce urban poverty, increase environmental management efforts, and promote an inclusive space for all to enjoy.

 

 

Community Gardens of Long Island

• Sisters of St Joseph Community Garden in Brentwood

• Good Shepherd Farm at Queen of Most Holy Rosary Church in Bridgehampton

• Ketcham Community Garden in Center Moriches

• Central Islip Civic Council Community Garden in Central Islip

• St Joseph the Worker Community Garden in East Patchogue

• Clifford Soergl Memorial Garden in Huntington

• Good Ground Community Garden in Hampton Bays

• Robert Kubecka Organic Garden in Huntington

• Harrison Hale Community Garden in Medford

• New Suffolk Waterfront Community Garden in New Suffolk

• Patchogue Community Garden in Riverhead

• River and Roots Community Garden in Riverhead

• The Chemical Free Garden in Ronkonkoma

• Tuckahoe Community Garden in Southhampton

And be sure to check out our recommendations for local garden centers to help local businesses rebuild after pandemic closure  woes. You’ll be making a difference and having fun at the same time!

 

 

Garden Centers in the Area:

• Stables Gardens in North Babylon

• Hewlynn Home & Garden Center in Deer Park

• Paul Usak’s Nursery & Garden Center

• Father Nature’s in East Islip

• Suburban Water Garden Inc in Dix Hills

• Zaino’s Nursery & Garden Center in Westbury

• Westminster Nursery & Garden Center in West Hempstead

• HIcks Nurseries Inc in Westbury

• Starkie Bros Garden Center in Farmingdale

• Decker’s Nursery in Greenlawn

• Woodside Nursery & Garden Center in Patchogue

• Reliable Garden & Ponds in Middle Island

• Heritage Farm & Garden in Muttontown

 

 

How To Start Your Own Container Garden

• A set of large plastic planters, large utility buckets, small containers on wheels, something that is at least 4-6 inches in depth or deeper

• A large bucket of compost

• An XL bag of garden soil formulated for containers or raised beds

• Seeds of your choice or juvenile plants

• Watering Can with Long Spout

• Small gardening tools: hand trowel, claw rake, gardening shears, twine, floral tape

• Wooden stakes, tomato cages, moss sticks

 

You can purchase containers such as Grow Bags, Self Watering Planter Boxes, Indoor Hydroponic Garden Tower, Modular Metal Containers.  If the area you’re planting in does not receive a lot of light, seek out plants which require low-light or partial shade to maximize growth and crop yield. Tomatoes, Peppers, Lettuce, Spinach, Kale, and Herbs all do wonderfully well in containers and pots.

 

 

Great Books on Container Gardening and Urban Agriculture

 

• Your Farm in the City by Lisa Taylor

• The Beginner’s Guide to Backyard Homesteading by Lisa Lombardo

• The Backyard Homestead in Carleen Madigan

• The Vegetable Gardener’s Container Bible by Edward C. Smith

• Grow Your Own Food Anywhere by Rita Butler

• Field Guide to Urban Gardening by Kevin Espiritu

• Grow Bag Gardening by Kevin Espiritu

• The Gardener’s Logbook by Peter Pauper Press