Getting into gardening can seem intimidating at first. With so many plants to choose from and skills to learn, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed! But gardening is a rewarding and relaxing hobby that anyone can pick up with a little bit of knowledge. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to get started as a gardener, from choosing a location to selecting plants to caring for your garden.
First Things First: Choosing a Location
When starting a new garden, location is key. You’ll want to pick a spot that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for growing veggies and fruits. For flowers and other ornamentals, 4-6 hours is usually sufficient. Make sure to observe the space throughout the day to see how sunlight exposure changes over time.
If you don’t have a naturally sunny yard, consider making a small garden in containers that can be moved to capture light. Just be sure your containers have drainage holes at the bottom.
In addition to sunlight, you’ll want to assess your soil type and quality. Most plants thrive in slightly acidic, loamy soil that drains well yet retains some moisture. If your soil is tightly packed clay or very sandy, you can amend it with compost or other organic matter to improve texture and nutrients. Digging in 2-4 inches of compost is ideal before planting.
Pro Tip: Do a soil test to determine your pH and nutrient levels. You can buy home test kits or send samples to your local agricultural extension office. This will tell you exactly what amendments your soil needs for healthy plants.
Deciding What to Grow
Now comes the fun part – picking what to plant! When starting out, go with easy, low maintenance plants that can tolerate some beginner mistakes.
For edible gardens, choices like tomatoes, zucchini, beans, lettuce, peppers, peas, radishes, and herbs are great starter plants. Try to incorporate something new each season.
When it comes to ornamental plants, opt for perennials that come back year after year. Some easy choices include coneflowers, daylilies, irises, asters, and coral bells. You can always add annuals like marigolds, zinnias, and petunias for quick color too.
Make sure to choose plants suited to your growing zone and sunlight conditions. Read plant tags and seed packets carefully to pick varieties guaranteed to thrive. Your local nursery can help recommend regional plants.
Pro Tip: Draw up a basic garden plan on paper before purchasing anything. This will help estimate how many plants you need and how much space to allot.
Preparing Your Planting Space
Once you’ve chosen a spot and picked your plants, it’s time to set up your garden! Here are some tips:
- Remove any existing grass, weeds, or vegetation where you’ll be planting.
- Loosen and turn over the top 6-12 inches of soil with a shovel, rototiller, or garden fork to provide a welcoming seedbed. Break up large clumps.
- Mix in any soil amendments like compost or fertilizer according to package instructions.
- Rake the area smooth and remove any rocks or debris.
- Consider adding borders around your garden to neatly contain it. Use stones, bricks, wood, or metal edging.
- For raised beds, construct the frame from wood, poured concrete, brick, or other material, then fill it with a soil mix.
- If desired, add a 2-3 inch layer of mulch like wood chips or straw to suppress weeds and retain moisture. Leave a mulch-free zone around plant bases.
Your planting space is now prepped and ready for plants!
Planting Your Garden
When it’s time to plant, make sure your seedlings are properly hardened off if they were started indoors or in a greenhouse. Follow planting directions based on whether you’re sowing seeds directly, transplanting seedlings, or installing container plants:
- For seeds, make shallow rows at the recommended depth and spacing on the packet. Gently cover and water.
- For transplants, dig holes the width of the root ball and deep enough to match its soil level. Carefully place in hole, fill around sides and water.
- Container plants can be sunk right into the soil at the same level as they were in the pot. Water well.
Follow sun and spacing needs for each plant variety. Place tall crops where they won’t shade smaller ones. Water all new plantings daily for the first week or until established. Add mulch once they begin growing to lock in moisture.
Pro Tip: Invest in quality gardening tools like a round point shovel, garden fork, trowel, cultivator, gloves and watering can. This will make planting much easier.
Caring for Your Garden
Once your garden is planted, the real fun begins – tending your plants! Here are some general care tips:
- Water thoroughly at soil level 1-2 times per week, providing about 1 inch total. Adjust as needed based on the weather.
- Weed weekly or whenever you see unwanted growth. Gently hoe or hand pull weeds, taking care not to disturb plant roots.
- Monitor for pests like insects or wildlife and take action if needed. Start with gentle solutions like hosing plants off, using row covers, or hand picking pests.
- Stake up tall or vine plants to prevent flopping over. Use plant velcro or soft ties as needed.
- Prune off any dead or damaged growth to keep plants healthy. Pinch back leggy annuals and perennials to encourage bushiness.
- Turn compost into the top couple of inches of soil monthly to add nutrients. Side dress growing plants with extra compost or fertilizer.
- Harvest veggies/herbs regularly at peak ripeness. Snip or gently twist off produce, being careful not to harm the plant.
Don’t stress about perfection! Gardening is a constant learning process. Pay attention to what works well each season and make adjustments as you gain experience.
Overwintering Your Garden
As temperatures drop, it’s time to put the garden to bed for winter. Take these steps:
- Pull up and dispose of any dead annual plants and foliage. Compost healthy plant material.
- Cut back perennial growth to a few inches above soil level after it dies back.
- Cover beds with 2-4 inches of mulch like shredded leaves or straw. This insulates plant roots from the cold.
- Consider temporarily covering beds with hoop houses, cold frames or fabric row covers to allow winter veggie growth.
- Drain and store garden hoses, tools, and supplies in a protected area.
- Make notes on what did well this year and what you want to change for next year. Planning ahead is key!
At Last
As spring approaches, it is important to prepare your garden for a successful growing season. Start by removing any mulch that was applied in the fall. This will allow the soil to warm up faster, which is crucial for seed germination and root growth. After removing the mulch, assess the soil to determine if any amendments are needed. If the soil is too compact or nutrient-deficient, consider adding compost, peat moss, or other organic matter to improve soil quality. Once the soil has been amended, it’s time to start planting! With proper preparation, you can ensure that your garden will produce a bountiful harvest all season long.
FAQs
Q: How much sunlight does a vegetable garden need?
A: Most vegetables thrive with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Leafy greens can get by on as little as 4 hours while fruiting crops like tomatoes need closer to 8-10 hours of sun exposure. Observe your yard throughout the day before picking a garden spot.
Q: Should I test my soil before gardening?
A: Yes, testing your soil pH and nutrient levels before planting can provide valuable information on what amendments your garden needs to grow successfully. Home soil test kits are inexpensive and easy to use. You can also send samples to your local extension office for testing.
Q: When should I start seeds indoors?
A: Most seeds should be started 4-6 weeks before your last expected frost date. Check seed packets for specific timelines. Starting seeds too early can cause leggy transplants. Have grow lights or a sunny window ready for the best results.
Q: How much space do I need for a vegetable garden?
A: Even a small 4×4 foot plot can produce a good amount of veggies! Focus on growing 2-3 of your favorite crops well versus planting too many varieties in too little space. Expand your garden over time as skills improve.
Q: Should I use mulch in my garden?
A: Mulching with materials like wood chips, straw, or leaves benefits gardens by reducing weeds, retaining moisture, and stabilizing soil temperature. Apply 2-3 inches around plants, leaving space near stems and crowns. Replenish as needed.
