Top 7 Tips to Start a Garden

Are you trying to figure out how to start a garden but don’t know where to start? Here is the guide you need to be able to make plans and answer the questions you have run into. 

The first thing that any gardener needs to do in starting a garden is to decide what kind of garden you would like to have. Do you admire the beautiful vegetables that your neighbors have every summer? Do you wish to harvest your own fresh produce to supplement your family meals? Or do you appreciate a bower of frivolous blooms to brighten your days? Do you want a relaxing space that beckons you from your tired work day? One that is full of tall swaying grasses and beautiful towering trees that you can sit and bask in?

1. Where Will You Begin Your Garden

Once you have decided what type of garden you want you can decide where you need to start in mapping out where your garden will grow. For those who want to start a garden full of yummy foods then you need to find a space that is full sun for most of the day. At least 8 hours. 

If the Garden you are planning is more to beautify the space that you own then your location will be different for different types of plants. There are plants that must be in shade to survive and others that need full sun. Some need boggy conditions and others that don’t tolerate a lot of water. 

2. What Zone Are You

Take a look at your space and decide how you want it to look and do some research on what types of plants do well in your area. You will need to know what zone you are in and what type of soil you have. 

So now, Breath… that is a lot of information to begin with. Let’s start with some of the easiest things to start with. 

3. Start With Raised Gardening

Raised garden beds are super easy to begin gardening with. You can make them out of just about anything and then fill them with garden soil, which you can find in many different places. If you are going to do small beds then you could maybe get bags of soil from your local market, or if you’re going big then get soil in bulk to save on costs. If you would like more information on how to start a raised bed check out this post about Raised Beds.

4. What To Grow

When thinking about how to start a garden you need to think about what plants you want to grow first. Garden vegetables are very easy to grow from seed. Sugar snap peas are some of the easiest and hardiest veggies to grow. You only want to grow the same types of food that you are going to eat otherwise why use up the space, time and money. I dislike cilantro so I’m obviously not going to use the space of my garden on something that will just go to waste. 

Tomatoes are one of the most popular plants that are grown for obvious reasons. They are fairly easy to grow if you plant the seeds at the right temperature. They like warm weather so they can not be planted as early as peas, onions and cruciferous veggies unless you start the seeds indoors. If this is your plan then be sure to give them lots of water and light.

5. When To Start a Garden

As we talked about with peas and tomatoes there are different times when things can be planted outdoors here in the United States. There are different growing regions and different soils and plants have specific needs for both of those criteria. Usually you can find this information on the tag of your plant or seed or you can find it online quite easily as well.  It is critical in growing your first garden to know your zone.

6. What Plants Do Well In Your Area

Gardeners love to share knowledge and even plants! Do you know someone in your area that has a beautiful garden? Ask them what grows the best where you live. Ask them about the plants you are already considering and if they will thrive in your area. They will likely know what to grow and if possible will probably share some starts with you. There are plants that do well almost anywhere you plant them and there are plants that are as tender as a snowflake. Some of the hardiest perennials in the United States are Russian Sage, Elderberry Bush, Lilacs, Iris, Lavender, Spirea, Sedum…. There are quite a few. A good place to start finding plants online is Proven Winners. They have a great variety and are careful with the plants they send.

7. What Soil Do I Need to Start a Garden

What type of soil do you need to start a garden? Well, that depends entirely on the plants that you are intending to grow. Most Plant thrive on nutrient rich soil which tends to be a dark loamy soil. Other plants have adapted over time to not need as much care such as succulents and do better in a dry fluffy soil. each plant that you buy should have a tag indicating what soil type they prefer.

Recap 

Decide where to grow, what to grow, find your zone, and know when to grow. Do you want minimalist beauty or abundant florals or yummy plants to eat from? Once you figure those step out then you are able to start growing a beautiful garden.