Beginner’s Gardening Tips

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It’s about that time of year where, if you plan to start a garden, you need to get going! I always laugh and say that I have a brown thumb. I am not naturally a good gardener, and the struggle is real. I WISH I was, but it takes me a lot of work, thought, and research to be somewhat successful.

So… I thought I’d share some of my research with you, in case you are like me! Here are some great tips I found:

Pick your location! Will you be doing seedlings indoors? Will you use a raised bed, or will you dig into the ground? It is recommended that, wherever you decide, you should pick a spot that is convenient for you. Don’t pick a spot where you can’t see the garden, or somewhere that is off your regular path.
Pay attention to the sun! Most edible plants need at least 6 hours of sunlight a day. Make sure the location you choose has a good mix of sunlight and coverage.
Make sure your garden is near a water source, like a hose or a sprinkler. You will want water to be convenient to the plants.
Make sure your soil is nutrient-rich! You can always use some things to help encourage growth. If you are using indoor pots, use this indoor potting soil.
Do research on what plants you plant! Make sure they are able to grow in the climate where you live. Make sure the required sunlight is able to shine on the plants. Pay attention to your “zone” where you live. The higher the zone number, the warmer the climate. You’ll need to make sure your zone is equal to or warmer than the zone where the specific plant will grow.
Know when your area’s last/first frost typically happens. If you plant your seeds and then a later or early frost occurs, your seedlings will most likely die.
Once your seeds/plants are planted, put a layer of mulch that is 2-3″ high around the plant. This will help prevent weeds, which can take over the plant.
Maintain! Make sure you water the plants regularly and use plant food if necessary.