In the long list of hobbies, gardening has always been a classic. Recently, the craze over gardening has taken a new height. Go to any social media platform, and you will find people sharing pictures and videos of their exciting home gardens. The soothing and refreshing greenery is definitely a major perk of gardening. Flowers have the ability to instantly brighten up anyone’s day, and the flowers you grow in your own garden are way more special. Vegetable gardens have more to offer, as well. Today, though, we are not here to talk about why you should have a garden of your own. Rather, we are here with all the tips and suggestions for you to begin your garden diaries.
Ask any expert green thumb or any beginner gardener - it is not that difficult. All you need is some patience, effort, and a little bit of research. And you will have our guide on how to start gardening to help you in every step.
Step-By-Step Gardening Guide
The answer to how to start gardening is rather easy. Follow these steps, and you will be off to a good start.
-
Think About What to Plant
How do I start a garden? To find the answer, first decide what you want to plant. Flowers, herbs, vegetables - there are many options. Consider the amount of space you have and the kind of climate you live in. Even if you are a big-time tea enthusiast, a tea garden is not a good idea if you live in an area like Delhi! Plants like marigolds and sunflowers are good options for beginners; you can obviously pick anything else according to your preferences.
-
Choose the Right Spot
Do you know how many have a particular side of the bed they can sleep in or a specific seat in the office where they feel the most productive? Lesson number 2 on how to start gardening is this - plants can be a little picky, too, and for the right reasons. Most of the plants need long hours of a good amount of sunlight, so the spot you pick should get direct sun for at least a few hours in the day. There should be good drainage so that the plants do not get ruined by water logging or excessive moisture.
-
Test and Prep the Ground
Naturally, plants grow much better in the nutrient-rich soil. As you learn how to begin a garden, do a quick test of the soil. Ideally, it should be easy to break with your hand and shovel. If your soil is tightly compressed or has a clay-like texture, it will restrict root development and water-drainage process. Rocky soils also interfere with plant development; make sure to till the soil to take out stones and debris.
-
Get the Plant Beds Ready
Loosening the soil before sowing or planting will help the roots grow more easily and have better access to the required water and nutrients. Clean the plant beds. Get rid of any weeds and sod from the spot. In case you are looking into how to start gardening on raised beds, know that it will give you better drainage and soil control.
-
Pick the Plants
As you are learning how to start up a garden, reading a bit about plants will be of great help. Learn which plants do better in hot regions and which ones grow better in colder climates. Read about the summer, winter, and spring plants. Know their sunlight and water requirements. This way, you will know which plants are the best options for the area you live in. Then, you can select whatever you want to plant.
-
Start Planting
On how to start a home garden, you finally start planting! A bit of planning, organising, and labelling will be required here. Just like us, plants need their space. If you keep the seeds or plants too close to each other, they won’t have enough space to grow healthily. Make sure to keep some space between them. Another good idea when first learning how to start gardening is to label the plants so that you don’t forget and confuse their care requirements.
-
Water Timely
This tip on our guide on how to establish a garden is a no-brainer. By now you know the watering requirements of your plants. Water accordingly. Keeping a book or journal of some sort with all the plants’ requirements noted will help you better care for your plants.
-
Maintain the Garden Regularly
This is the final tip on how to start gardening - regular maintenance. Do not forget to prune dead or overgrown leaves, check for pests, and remove unwanted weeds. Try to use natural fertiliser as needed for good growth. With regular maintenance, your garden is sure to have healthy growth, maximising its beauty and productivity.
Basic Gardening Tools to Have
How do you start a garden if you do not have the basic gardening tools? Get your hands on a small and a big trowel, a weeder, a fork, a cultivator, a gardening knife, and a pair of scissors. You will also need watering cans. Planters and pots are not compulsory, but they are a beautiful addition.
Wrapping Up!
A healthy, green garden is certainly on the wishlist of many. Plants can often be forgiving, but with proper attention and care, they thrive. To make your journey on how to start gardening smooth, start with a couple of plants. Give it a little time to learn about different varieties. As you get your basics mastered, you can slowly expand your garden and incorporate more and more plants.
FAQs
-
Can I start gardening indoors if I don’t have outdoor space?
Indoor gardening is a great idea! Grow plants inside by using pots and planters. Choose herbs, succulents, small vegetables, and other indoor-friendly plants.
-
What are some low-maintenance plants for beginner gardeners?
Snake plants, portulaca, sunflowers, marigolds, and zinnias are low-maintenance plants, good for beginner gardeners.
-
How do I create a sustainable garden?
Sustainable gardening is about following eco-friendly practices. For that, you can use rainwater collection systems, organic compost, and native plants that require less water and maintenance. Avoid chemical pesticides and opt for natural fertilisers.