Four Steps to Start Your At-Home Garden
Spring has officially sprung, and if you’ve ever wanted to test out your gardening skills, now is the perfect time to start. There are a variety of factors to consider when planning out your starter garden, including space, what to plant, and materials you may need. Although there are many factors to consider, the most important to remember is the rewarding feeling you’ll have at harvest time. Here are a few tips to help you have a successful first garden.

 

  1. Start Small

If you're a novice gardener, it’s generally recommended that you start small. A small garden will allow you to learn what plants, soils, locations, and gardening methods will work best for what you want to grow. It’s also a great place to start if your overall goal is to plant and maintain a larger garden in the future. With a variety of ways to start a garden, don’t be overwhelmed with the thought of plowing, planting, and harvesting large plots of land. If space is tight, consider a where you can grow several plants in containers that are easier to maintain.

  1. Choose the Ideal Location

Whether you opt for a container garden, a raised garden, or a garden in the ground, you must choose a location where your plants will thrive. A location that is close to your home will make it convenient for you to tend to the plants.

  1. Choose Your Plants

Because they often grow quicker than flowers, growing vegetables is a great way to make your introduction to gardening. A common mistake many new gardeners make is planting vegetables that they aren’t familiar with growing. It will be easier to maintain, as well as familiarize yourself with, your garden if you start with only a few easy-to-grow vegetables, like tomatoes, lettuce, peppers or radishes. Research what vegetables are great for first-time gardeners to find ones that work for your space.

Remember to choose fruits and vegetables that you and your family actually want to eat—there’s no point in spending the time to grow a beet when it’s not a fan favorite! Consider using “strong starts” (seeds that have already started to grow), or high-quality seeds to give you a boost in the beginning.

Starting and maintaining a garden is an interest for many people, as it allows you the freshest of fruits and vegetables, and can be exciting to see growth due to your care! Don’t be discouraged if you don’t get a full harvest the first time around—finding your footing will take trial and error, and a lot of patience. But, with the right plan and proper research, you can soon find yourself preparing garden-to-table meals of your own!

  1. Understand Soil and Fertilizer

Good soil is critical for a successful garden. It’s what allows plants to grow strong and healthy, so it’s best to choose a soil that is nutrient-rich and consists of the recommended blend for your specific seeds. When purchasing soil, be sure to read the manufacturer’s recommendations for the type of plants that the specific soil is best for.