Growing a garden in your RV can be a fun and rewarding experience. Not only does it allow you to have fresh produce on the road, but it can also add a touch of home to your travels. However, it can be challenging to know where to start when it comes to creating an RV garden.

Here are things you should know to help you get started.

Understanding the Basics of RV Gardening

Here are two important sub-sections to consider:

Space Management

One of the most important things to keep in mind when growing an RV garden is space management. RVs have limited space, so you need to make the most of what you have. Consider using vertical space by hanging planters or using trellises to grow climbing plants. You can also use containers that can be stacked or placed on shelves to maximize your space.

Another way to manage space is to plant in stages. Start with plants that grow quickly and can be harvested within a few weeks, such as lettuce or radishes. Once you’ve harvested those, you can replant with another crop. This allows you to make the most of your space and have a continuous supply of fresh produce.

Choice of Plants

The choice of plants is also important when growing an RV garden. You want to choose plants that will thrive in the limited space you have and won’t take up too much room. Herbs are a great choice for RV gardens because they don’t take up much space and can be used in a variety of dishes.

When choosing plants, also consider the amount of sunlight your RV gets. If you’re parked in a shady spot, choose plants that don’t require a lot of sun, such as leafy greens. On the other hand, if you’re parked in a sunny spot, choose plants that thrive in full sun, such as tomatoes or peppers.

Essential Tools for RV Gardening

Portable Greenhouse

A portable greenhouse is a great tool for RV gardeners, as it allows you to extend your growing season and protect your plants from harsh weather conditions. These greenhouses come in a variety of sizes and styles, so you can choose one that fits your needs and space requirements.

Self-Watering Pots

Self-watering pots are a must-have for RV gardeners who are frequently on the move. These pots have a built-in reservoir that holds water, so your plants can stay hydrated even if you’re not around to water them. They also come in a variety of sizes and styles, so you can choose ones that fit your plants and decor.

Compact Gardening Tools

When it comes to RV gardening, space is at a premium. That’s why it’s important to invest in compact gardening tools that can easily be stored in your RV. Look for tools like folding shovels, collapsible watering cans, and compact pruning shears that can be easily stowed away when not in use.

In conclusion, having the right tools can make RV gardening a lot easier and more enjoyable. Consider investing in a portable greenhouse, self-watering pots, and compact gardening tools to help you get started on your RV gardening journey.

Maintaining Your RV Garden

To keep your RV garden thriving, you need to take care of it regularly. Here are two essential aspects of maintaining your RV garden:

Watering and Fertilizing

Watering is crucial for any garden, and your RV garden is no exception. You should water your plants regularly, especially during hot and dry weather. Make sure you don’t overwater your plants, as this can lead to root rot.

Fertilizing is also essential for the health of your plants. You can use organic or synthetic fertilizers, depending on your preference. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer package for the correct application rate.

Pest Control

Pests can wreak havoc on your RV garden. To prevent pest infestations, you should inspect your plants regularly for any signs of damage or infestation. If you notice any pests, you should take immediate action to control them.

There are several ways to control pests in your RV garden. You can use natural methods such as companion planting, neem oil, or insecticidal soap. Alternatively, you can use chemical pesticides, but make sure you follow the instructions carefully to avoid harming your plants.

Benefits of RV Gardening

Health Benefits

One of the biggest benefits of RV gardening is the health benefits it provides. Gardening is a great way to get outside and get some exercise, which is important for your overall health. Plus, gardening can be a great stress-reliever, which is also good for your mental health.

When you grow your own fruits and vegetables, you know exactly what’s going into them. This means that you can avoid harmful pesticides and other chemicals that are often used on store-bought produce. Plus, fresh produce is packed with nutrients that are essential for good health.

Aesthetic Appeal

Another benefit of RV gardening is the aesthetic appeal it provides. A well-maintained garden can add beauty and charm to your RV and the surrounding area. Plus, it can be a great conversation starter with your neighbors and fellow campers.

When designing your RV garden, you can choose from a wide variety of plants, flowers, and herbs. This means that you can create a garden that reflects your personal style and preferences. Whether you prefer a colorful flower garden or a practical herb garden, the possibilities are endless.

Conclusion

Growing an RV garden is a fun and rewarding experience that can bring you closer to nature while providing fresh produce for your meals. Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind:

• Choose the right plants for your space and climate. Consider factors like sun exposure, soil quality, and water availability when selecting plants to grow in your RV garden.
• Use containers that are the right size and shape for your plants. Make sure they have proper drainage and are easy to move around as needed.
• Keep your plants healthy by watering them regularly and fertilizing as needed. Watch out for pests and diseases, and take steps to prevent or treat them as necessary.
• Harvest your crops regularly to keep them producing. Use your fresh produce in your meals and share with others if you have extra.
• Enjoy the process and don’t be afraid to experiment. Growing an RV garden is a learning experience, and you may discover new techniques or plants that work well for you.

With these tips in mind, you’re ready to start growing your own RV garden. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, there’s no better way to connect with nature and enjoy fresh, healthy produce. Happy gardening!

You don’t have to sleep on the ground when hunting this season. Taking your RV on a hunting trip is a great idea. Your RV can work as the perfect basecamp giving you a real bed to sleep and prepare for a busy day. An RV for hunting gives you a real kitchen to cook and a place to shower. Your RV will also protect you from mosquitoes and crawling insects.

While the RV comes with its great comforts, you need to focus more on your hunting. What are the essential gears to have with you when on a hunting trip? This is a difficult question for a first-time camper. You still need to pack essential gears since you’re heading out in the wild. Having the right essential gears will help you camp and hunt like a pro.

Essential gears to carry when taking your RV on a hunting trip come in two categories. These are the hunting gear and the camping gear.

The hunting gear

Hunting is not just waking from your RV, picking a gun, and shooting at your target. There is a lot more involved before you can get your kill. There are a lot of things to carry to make your hunting trip a successful one. These include:

The right optics

There is no substitute when it comes to choosing the right hunting optics. After all, if you’re going to hunt, you must first spot the game.  When hunting game at long ranges, you need to spot it and calculate the distance before shooting. This requires a quality spotting scope.

Weapons

It is pretty obvious you will not hunt without a weapon. You need the right choice of weapon depending on the game you’re hunting. For example, if you’re into short-range and long-range hunting, then picking a proper AR 15 is a good idea. A good weapon choice and excellent optics get you halfway through in the field.

Maps and compasses

Maps and compasses are a must-have when hunting in any new area. You need to get the maps early and know how to read and use them. While most maps can be found on smartphones, you still need to carry an actual map on paper. In a survival situation, you can end up losing your signal and rely on the map. A compass on the other hand will help you find directions with ease.

Route marking tape

A route marking tape is quite essential when hunting further away from the camp. Sometimes it can be pretty finding your way back to the back after a long day hunting. This is why you need a route marking tape to easily identify your way back. These tapes come in visible colors like blaze orange for you to see from a distance.

Scent eliminators and attractors

It is worth noting that animals have a pretty good sense of smell. They can smell new things and people in their habitat. If you’re not careful, the animals can find you first and escape. You’re the one hunting and want to avoid being hunted. Getting scent eliminators that throw animals off their game. Scent eliminators mask your body scent preventing animals from sniffing you.

We also have scent attractors that can attract wild animals your way. The attractors are great especially when hunting from a stationary position like a tree stand.

Hunting clothes

Lastly, you need to have proper hunting clothes. You need to choose hunting clothes that match your hunting environments. The clothes’ color needs to camouflage the surrounding to keep you hidden from game animals. Moreover, the clothes need to hug your body tightly. Make sure you avoid baggy clothes that get blown away by the wind. Such clothes will easily give your position.

When hunting in cold areas, make sure you choose clothes with excellent layering and insulation for cold protection.

The camping gear

Our next list of essential gears to check is the camping gears. You need to ensure your backpack fits all essential gears that you will use throughout the night. Some of the essential camping gears include:

Utensils

If you’re staying overnight, you need to carry some utensils to help you cook and serve the food. Consider things like a portable stove, pots, knives, spoons, and cooking supplies.

Warm clothes

The night can get cold even inside your RV. Make sure you carry enough warm clothes. Your sleeping bag will only protect you from cold but not keep you warm.

Water jugs and filters

Water is essential for any camping trip. You need to pack enough water for cooking and drinking. If there is a river nearby, you can consider water jugs and filters to help you with extra water. Purifications tablets are quite important in emergencies.

Survival kit

Lastly, make sure you have your survival kit with you. Survival kits include things like a first-aid kit, medicines, and bandages.

For most outdoor adventurers and overlanders, getting a comfortable bed and place to shelter means everything. While camping tents remain the best way for persons to sleep outdoors, innovations in tent technologies are changing everything. Nowadays, rooftop tents or car tents are becoming common as people avoid the cold ground. Also known as a roof rack tent, this is a new genre of a tent that sets up on car racks and top.

Deciding on a roof top tent is not something easy and one must consider several factors. This is also because roof top tents cost way too much more than usually camp tents.

The appeal of roof top tents

Roof top tents are not new in the market but have only become popular in the United States a few years ago. These tents have been in use in Australia for years as campers seek to stay away from crawling insects and the cold ground. The tents are nowadays highly recognized in the USA as a genius idea.

This might be due to the love of treehouses when most Americans look back to their childhood. Sleeping high gives campers a good vantage point to survey their territory. Sleeping in a roof top tent is always appealing and comes with many benefits. Most roof top tents feature pretty solid construction and can withstand stormy weathers. The tents are also easy to pitch and come with super-plush mattresses for added comfort.

However, choosing the best roof top tent is the tricky part. Do you need a 2 person roof top tent or just a single person roof top tent? There are several factors one must consider when choosing a roof top tent. These include the following:

Factors to consider when choosing a roof top tent

Raw materials

The materials used in the construction of roof top tents go a long way in determining their quality and durability. You need to consider the frame material, fabric, and mattress. In most cases, aluminum metal is considered the best since it is both durable and lightweight. As for the fabric, you can choose tents made of cotton ripstop or polyester canvas since they are strong and durable. However, make sure the fabric is also waterproof and breathable.

A GSM unit which stands for gram per square meter is usually used to describe the density of the fabric. A higher GSM value means denser and thicker fabric. Apart from the fabric quality, you also have to consider the fabric weight and cost. Nylon is not the strongest but is very lightweight and very affordable. Overall, make sure you select a fabric with a PU coating to withstand strong rain and winds. This is crucial especially for roof tents that are prone to strong winds.

The tent hinges need to feature stainless steel metal since the metal is non-corrosive and can withstand harsh weather elements. You also need to consider strong door zippers that will not break easily.

Design of the tent

Next, you have to consider the design of the tent and choose one that matches your needs. We have roof top tents that feature an extending awning while others just fit over your car roof. Some designs pop up while others open manually. We also have custom-built designs that fit on the roof top while open to the rear or both sides.

You need to perform some research and choose a design that best works for your needs and car type.

Total tent weight vs car and rack weight capacity

The total weight of the tent is usually shown in the specifics of the tent. However, you also have to check your car rack weight capacity. Both the vehicle and roof rack must support the tent weight when driving.

Rack compatibility

You need to choose a roof top tent that matches with your rack design. Make sure you check the tent manual and see which roof racks it works with best. In fact, some roof top tents are specially designed to work with specific roof tops.

Tent capacity

This is a simple and obvious consideration that one must not assume. You need to know the number of people that will be sleeping in a tent. Most roof top tents feature 2 person, 3 person, and 4 person models.

Ladder and vehicle height

If your roof top tent comes with a ladder, then go ahead and make sure it fits your vehicle height. There are usually two pieces of aluminum ladders that extend with ease. You need to measure your car height from the roof top to the ground and make sure the ladder fits perfectly.

Extra features

Lastly, you can consider extra features that make the tent more comfortable and friendly. Consider things like travel covers, LED lights, color combos, remote controls, and cozy mattresses.