beginner tips
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Creating your first garden is an exciting time. Whether you're looking to establish ornamental landscapes or growing fruits and vegetables, planting time can be filled with an overwhelming amount of information, and decisions that must be made.
Now, more than ever, first-time gardeners have nearly unlimited access to the resources necessary to be successful. Let’s explore some gardening tips for beginners.
How to Start a Garden
The most frequently asked question of first-time gardeners is how to get started. How to start a garden will vary greatly from one person to another. While some people have access to yard space, others may find that growing in containers is their only option. Regardless, getting started with gardening will start with careful planning.
- Among the top gardening tips for beginners is to start small. This means selecting only a few plants or crops to be grown during the first season. Getting started with gardening in this manner will help new growers care for plants in a more manageable and enjoyable way.
- Other popular beginner garden tips include careful selection of the planting site for plants that are to be grown. Garden beds that receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight will be a necessity. Good soil drainage is also be key, so you may want to obtain a soil test for your garden site. Soil tests can be obtained through local extension offices, and can offer valuable insights regarding soil nutrients and overall pH. If your soil conditions are less than ideal for planting, you may need to consider growing in raised beds or pots.
- Before planting, it will be essential to find the first and last frost dates in your region. This information will determine when it is safe to plant frost tender seeds outdoors. While some plants will need to be started early indoors, other types may be sowed directly into the ground. After sowing, make certain to water the planting bed thoroughly. Soil should be kept consistently moist until germination occurs.
- Once your plants begin to grow, you will need to plan for their care. At this time, as a grower you should consider options for weed control, and monitor plants for signs of stress related to irrigation, pests, and/or disease. Prevention of these issues will be vital to maintaining healthy crops throughout the growing season. With careful attention to plant needs, even beginner growers can reap bountiful harvests from their very first vegetable garden.