How do I start gardening as a beginner?
Decide What to Grow in Your Garden
Except for flowers, only grow crops you’re willing to eat. Focus on your family’s favourite vegetables, herbs, and fruits, and ensure your ultimate picks are in alignment with the weather in your garden. Calculate the first and last frost dates and check your hardiness zone. Consider talking to experienced gardeners in your area and figure out the suitable plants for your garden.
Select the Right Location
Most garden plants require at least 5 hours of direct sunlight per day to fruit. Partial shade is enough for herbs, root veggies, and greens to grow. Late afternoon shade is best for southern gardens, while northern gardens need full-time sunlight. Think about how you will access your garden to care for the plants. If your plants are not in sight, then it’s likely you will neglect them. Don’t place the plants in frost pockets and high wind areas. Ensure the garden is safe from wildlife and pet damage and away from children’s play areas.
Plan the Garden Beds
After choosing the gardening site, it’s time to pick the size and type of garden beds. Raised beds are more accessible and attractive, but they dry out too quickly. So if you live in arid areas, use sunken beds to gather all the moisture. Consider Planting in beds or blocks of plants rather than single rows. Beds must be narrow enough (3 to 4 feet across) for the center to be accessible from both sides and long enough (roughly 10 feet) so you won’t have to step into the bed.
Place your plants inside the garden beds in rows or a grid pattern to maximize growing room and minimize walkways. You can save money and time by fertilizing only the planting area. The same rule goes for soil amendments too. Don’t hesitate to grow companion plants to improve crops and lure beneficial insects.
Don’t start too big. Provide each plant with enough room to grow. Remember, seeds might be tiny, but full-grown plants can become enormous. It’s hard for packed plants to flourish. Going for a well-tended but small garden is more beneficial than a poorly-tended but large one.
