Around 55% of American households in regular gardening, which shows how popular it is.
Understanding gardening for beginners 101 is essential for cultivating your dream veggie patch and harvesting great-quality produce. But, if you don’t follow the basics, you’ll put your hard work at risk and potentially ruin your yard. Maybe that’s why you’re here; you’re on the hunt for gardening tips and need a nudge in the right direction.
Sounds like you? No worries, we’ve got you covered. Here’s our guide on gardening for beginners.
Decide What to Plant
Before you start gardening, figure out what to grow. Ideally, you should choose beginner-friendly options and ease into the gardening process. These include lettuce, green beans, and cherry tomatoes.
Make sure that your household is happy with your choice because you don’t want to grow veggies no one will eat. You should also be realistic about how much to plant, so you’re not overwhelmed with tending to them. And it’s wise to plant veggies that aren’t readily available at your local grocery store as it’ll maximize your efforts.
Choose the Perfect Location
One of the top gardening tips is choosing the ultimate location. A good rule of thumb is to choose a spot that you’re always passing by; otherwise, you may overlook it. Budding gardeners should also choose somewhere with plenty of sunlight for optimal growth.
Gather Your Garden Supplies
Next, gather gardening supplies to help your venture.
As a beginner, you needn’t spend a fortune on tools because the basics suffice. At the very least, make sure you have a hoe, rake, and shovel. You’ll also benefit from hand tools and a hose to keep your veggies hydrated.
Although it’s tempting to choose the cheapest tools, steer clear of plastic ones. These are harder to use and will break under pressure. Instead, visit your local garden center or search on sites like Facebook Marketplace for a durable set of metal tools.
Test Your Soil
Every seasoned gardener understands the importance of regularly testing the soil. Check whether the soil is acidic, alkaline, or neutral because that will affect which plants you can grow. You should also test for nutrients and ensure that there’s zero risk of contamination for peace of mind.
Clear the Ground
Before sowing seedlings, clear the ground of debris and stubborn weeds. The most effective method is slicing under the sod with a shovel and cutting it into sections so that it’s easier to remove. Then, chuck everything into a compost bin and you can use it later.
Add a Raised Garden Bed
When you’ve got the necessary gardening products, find a place for a raised garden bed. The beauty of these is that they’re easy to manage, thanks to the smaller area. Then, once you’ve honed your green thumb, you can get a large plot for planting veggies or flowers.
Plant in Containers
Don’t have much space? Then, sow seeds in colorful containers.
The key is to consider what you’re planting so that you choose a pot with enough space. A major benefit is that you can plant anything from fruit trees to an entire herb garden, depending on your preference.
Know When to Water Your Plants
Many novelists make the mistake of under or watering their seedlings. It’s important that seedlings get plenty of water, but step back as they develop. If you move plants, water them every other day until you can see their roots.
Once the plants have fully grown, test the soil four inches below the surface. If the earth feels dry, it’s time to water.
Watch Out for Pests
Get in the habit of looking out for unwanted visitors in your garden. Although most pests won’t harm your plants, you don’t want the population to get out of control. So, take action if you notice increasing numbers of aphids, snails, and caterpillars.
Take Control of Weeds
Weeds are a gardener’s nightmare because they quickly get out of hand. Note, certain types are problematic and can be impossible to remove like Horsetail. If you’ve noticed weeds, wait until after rainfall as the soil softens, making it easier to yank them out.
You should also use specific tools like a garden knife or if you’re after an ergonomic option, a stand-up weeder to save time.
Embrace Composting
Invest in a compost bin for your garden, and you’ll access the finest fertilizer. You can start composting by setting aside lawn trimmings and any food waste that you accumulate. Give it time to break down and eventually, you can add it to every garden bed.
Add Mulch to Your Garden
A pro tip is adding a layer of mulch over your garden. This should be around three inches deep and must be around each plant. Many gardeners swear by mulch because it minimizes weeds and helps the soil retain moisture, which means you needn’t water as much.
Harvest and Enjoy What You Grow
There’s nothing more satisfying than harvesting and eating your own produce. Make sure you know the telltale signs that each veggie is ready, as many can be used multiple times. For instance, clip off lettuce leaves, and the plant will regrow for another harvest.
Ideally, harvest in the morning because the dew locks in the flavor. But don’t worry if you can’t, just make sure that you do it before the afternoon heat arrives.
Our Gardening for Beginners Guide
Hopefully, you’ll use these gardening for beginners tips as inspiration.
There are basic rules to follow, such as choosing beginner-friendly veggies and testing the soil before sowing any seedlings. Gardeners should also be on the lookout for pests and harness the power of composting. Good luck!
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