Starting a garden can be a daunting task, especially for beginners. So, it’s a good idea to get some tips and advice before you start digging in the dirt.
The best way to do this is to learn from seasoned gardeners. They share their top gardening tips for beginners, and you can take notes on these to help you build your garden.
Start Small
Starting small is a great way to get the experience of gardening without having to spend the time and money to grow a large garden. It also gives you the opportunity to learn more about what works and doesn’t work for you before expanding your garden.
You can start small with a few pots or even a single bed in the yard. This allows you to try out growing a variety of plants and see how you like it before expanding the garden.
If you don’t have a lot of space in your yard, try starting with herbs and vegetables that are easy to grow. You’ll save time and effort when it comes to growing your own food, plus you’ll end up with tasty fresh produce.
Know Your Plants
If you want to be a good gardener, it’s important to know your plants. That means knowing their names, the best time to plant them and how to care for them.
Identifying your plants is important for many reasons, including being able to spot disease and pests in your garden. It also helps you to understand how to prevent problems in the first place, if possible.
In addition to learning their scientific name, which is based on a binomial naming system (see below), you should know what family they belong to and what diseases or insects they might be susceptible to. These factors will help you make decisions about rotating your plantings for pest control and soil fertility purposes.
To get started, use the free PlantSnap app to instantly identify your plants if you have a clear, well-framed photo of one or more leaves. This simple process is quick and easy, and it’s a great way to learn more about your plants!
Know Your Soil
Soil is a complex ecosystem teeming with a wide range of organisms–worms, insects and microbes–that breathe life into your garden. It also supplies plants with nutrients.
Soils can vary from sandy, stony and clay to alkaline or acidic–and every gardener should know what their soil type is so they can plant the right kind of plants to thrive.
A soil test will tell you what your soil type is, along with its pH, texture and nutrient levels. It will also give you advice on how to make your soil more plant-friendly.
Adding organic matter to your soil–in the form of compost, manures and worm castings–is one way to improve its physical properties. This is because it provides an important source of humus, a natural fertilizer that can increase the availability of air and water to roots.
Know Your Weeds
Weeds are invasive plants that compete with other plants in your garden for space, light and water. They also attract unwanted pests that can harm your vegetables, flowers or shrubs.
Fortunately, many weeds aren’t difficult to identify. Once you understand how to recognize a weed, it’s easier to know what’s causing trouble in your garden and how to take care of it.
One of the easiest ways to prevent weeds from sprouting is to enrich your soil every chance you get with compost or organic matter. It makes sense: Soil scientists say that fewer weed seeds germinate in soil that is nourished with fresh infusions of organic matter.
Know Your Pests
There are a variety of pests that can wreak havoc on your garden, including insects, wildlife and disease vectors. Learn to identify the pests that are most problematic, and then try your best to avoid them.
Choose plant varieties with resistance to specific pests and diseases. For example, if you have a problem with squash bugs or Colorado potato beetles, look for resistant varieties when you purchase seeds or plants.
Inspect your garden regularly for signs of pests. Look for holes in the soil, a wormy texture or roots that are displaced or curled up.
If you see pests that are out of control, consider chemical treatments – but only as a last resort. These can hurt beneficial insects, contaminate the soil and harm birds and other wildlife.