If you're new to gardening, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. Over the past two years, I've made lots and lots of gardening mistakes so that you don't have to! Here are some things I wish I knew when I first started:
- Start small: Don't try to tackle a huge garden all at once. Start with a small bed or a few containers and work your way up as you gain experience. I can tell you from my own tackle-everywhere-at-once experience, you’ll end up with an ungodly amount of weeds.
- Research your plants: Make sure you know what plants will thrive in your specific climate and soil type. Don't be afraid to ask for help at your local nursery or garden center. I am so I google everything. For example, anything deer’s love can’t go in my front yard so I always have to check first.
- Water deeply: It's better to water deeply a few times a week than to water a little bit every day. This will help your plants develop deep roots and be more resilient to drought. Knowing this has also saved me so much time watering every single morning! Something I was definitely doing for over a year.
- Fertilize regularly: Plants need nutrients to grow, so make sure you're fertilizing them regularly. You can use compost, organic fertilizers, or chemical fertilizers, depending on your preferences.
- Be patient: Gardening takes time and practice. Don't get discouraged if things don't go as planned. Learn from your mistakes and keep trying! That’s exactly what I’m here for, is to make all the mistakes so that you don’t have to.
By following these tips, you'll be on your way to becoming a successful gardener in no time. Follow along as I find more and more easy tips and tricks to make gardening simple and joyful. Happy planting!