An Amateur's Guide to Gardening

As many of you know, I recently uprooted my 18 years of city life for a quieter one in the suburbs. I thought I might be sad about it, but it’s honestly been the best thing and I am getting the chance to do things and have things that I didn’t have in the city. Like, space. Lol

One hobby I have always been interested in is gardening but I could never justify starting one with the limited amount of living space we had. Now that we are in “the burbs” I am really excited to try and tackle this new challenge. And yes, I did try to grow basil on my windowsill, but it never worked out! And the dang squirrels always ate the herbs I tried to plant on our back patio.

Anyway, if you’re like me, and have never put on a pair of gardening gloves, I highly recommend checking out some of these tips. This is what I will be using as I navigate the wonderful world of homegrown produce.

Plan and Research

First, decide what you’re planning on growing and tending to over the next few months. What I mean by this is - are you looking for flowers? Plants? Produce? Personally, I want produce. Whichever route you choose, be sure to research the optimal living conditions for the items you are planning to grow. Every plant is different, with varying requirements for sunlight, water, and care. Ensure you know how to care for each of the plants you add to your garden.

Specifically - look at the climate, the sunlight and base your plans on those two things.

Start Out Small

Just like any hobby, you don’t want to get in over your head and fall out of love too quickly. I think the easiest position for me is to start with an indoor container garden initially, and then move it outside. If you are also an amateur (which I suppose you are if you are reading this post!) - this gives you the chance to experiment with various planting options and find a groove before moving onto more advanced gardening projects.

Prepare Tools

Like, make sure you get all of the tools you will need before you even get the plants. If you’re starting small like me, your planting needs won’t be too large, but will likely include items you don’t have laying around your house. Certain, more complex gardening beds require advanced systems for watering and such, so knowing that criteria is important before digging in (lol get it?).

Things to remember: You’ll need soil and containers, a watering vessel and a shovel, at the least. Maybe some gloves, and as you get more and more complex - you’ll need to account for more. IE if you are building some kind of structure outside, or need netting for animals.

Get the Kiddos Involved

Not only does this give you another thing to do with them this summer, but it will keep you accountable to the garden. I know my 5 year old is not going to let me forget that we have plants to take care of - so I am using her as a reminder system. 

Keep Yourself Interested

The worst thing you can do with a new hobby is burn yourself out too quickly. Once you feel more comfortable in your gardening abilities, try a new plant every so often to keep you intrigued and motivated to continue!

Remember: plants need SUNLIGHT, WATER, and NUTRIENTS. It’s that simple. Keep track of these 3 things, and your maintenance should be decently managed!

On that note...

Think About How you Will Use the Crops

I LOOOOOOVE herbs. I want mint for lemonade and iced tea this summer. I want basil for fresh salads. I want all of the herbs, quite honestly. I also want lettuces, so I can just pick off what I need and not waste leaves. I want fresh tomatoes for some balsamic vinegar. I have specific requests for what I am going to grow and I think this will keep me motivated. I suggest you do the same! It will keep you invested in the process and enjoying what you are doing (and reaping).

Here is a list of some of the easiest plants to grow for beginners, like me!

• LETTUCE: grows quickly, easy to harvest, and takes up very little space

• TOMATOES: easily planted in any size garden (hanging baskets, etc.)

• PANSIES: survive extreme temperatures, do well in shade and sun

• MINT: rapid growth, can do well in shade, not too much watering needed

• MARIGOLDS: seeds come with instructions, water often, beautiful through summer

• STRAWBERRIES: can plant in ground, container, or garden, full sun required