We don’t know about you, but we are ready for sunny, warmer days spent outside getting our hands dirty in the soil. Now while we probably still have a few weeks of winter to suffer through (we’re lookin’ at you, Phil) it’s never too early to start planning for our future bountiful gardens. If this will be your first year planting a garden, however, you may be a little nervous because let’s face it, it’s just not fun when a garden flops. (Though even the most experienced gardeners will tell you sometimes it just be like that!) We put together a few of our best tips for beginner gardeners and we hope it eases your mind and gets you pumped for the months ahead. Let’s get into it!
Keep Things in Perspective
Seek packets are small but they pack a lot of punch. We promise you there is no need to buy seed packets for four different kinds of lettuce. Start small, perfect the art, and adjust the size of your garden as you need to.
Set Your Sights
You know the old saying, “out of sight, out of mind”? This applies to gardening. Especially first-timers that are just starting out. Make sure you plant your garden where you see it every day. This way you’ll remember to check in on everything and make sure that your vegetables are getting the water that they need, the sunshine they need, and that pests aren’t getting the best of them.
Family Knows Best
Only grow things that your family likes and that you know your family will eat in abundance. We know this should probably go without saying but we are the first ones that will commit to a vegetable we’ve never heard of just because we think it will look cool. Pro-tip, don’t waste your time and energy on vegetables that nobody likes.
Keep the Water Close
Plant your garden close to a source of water. This is probably one of the best tips we have for you, and yes, we had to learn this one the hard way. Gardening is fun, lugging water all over the place is not fun.
Make Gardening Friends
Every great gardener was once a beginner which means after all those years of practice, they know a thing or two. And in our experience, a good gardener doesn’t gatekeep. Reach out to neighbors, friends, and colleagues that have good-looking gardens, and if you don’t know anybody, tune into a podcast or attend a local seed swap to ask your burning questions.
Consider the Containers
If space has been the one thing keeping you from starting a garden, consider container gardening. You’ll be surprised when you find out how many veggies can thrive in containers!
Find Your Zone
Knowing your ”hardiness zone” is everything when it comes to growing a garden. It’s basically a map explaining the coldest place a plant can grow.
Have Fun
Oh, come on, you knew we were going to throw this one in. Allow yourself to be a beginner, just enjoy the process and learn as you go.