Despite your love of flowers and veggies, do you always seem to end up with shriveled leaves when you try your hand at gardening? Take comfort in knowing that even the most experienced gardeners have most likely had their fair share of dead plants. With the right tools and a little bit of research, anyone can earn a green thumb. Gardening is a perfect activity for relaxing on a spring day, so now that the weather is warming up, check out our gardening tips for beginners to get started.
Gardening Tips for Beginners
Gather Your Tools
- Gloves and a Shovel. Some people find running their fingers through soil calming. However, if you are the kind of person who hates getting dirt caught under your nails, grab some gardening gloves and a shovel.
- Starter Plants. Purchase some starter plants and heirloom seeds to begin your garden. Be sure to look up which types of plants thrive in your region. For example, lavender grows well in some parts of the country and terribly in others. Avoid setting yourself up for failure by knowing which plants will do well in your own backyard.
- Fresh Soil. If the dirt in your yard is hard and clay-like, your plants will struggle to spread their roots. Purchase some fresh soil from a local greenhouse or chain store.
- Water. A hose or watering can will come in handy if your garden is large. If you’re focusing your attention on a few pots or a smaller patch of earth, a large cup or pitcher may work fine.
Time It Right
When early spring rolls around, you might be tempted to start your garden outside right away. However, not all plants can survive a frost. If the weather in your region is a bit temperamental until late spring, it is best to wait until then to avoid wasting time and money.
A good rule of thumb is to start seeds indoors about six to eight weeks before your region’s last frost date, and then transfer your plants outside. If you live in a temperate climate, March and April are a great time to get tomato and pepper seeds started indoors and ready for spring planting.
Talk to Experts
When you go to a greenhouse or store to purchase plants, take advantage of the knowledgeable staff. They are responsible for keeping the plants alive until you take them home, so they will most likely know some secrets for keeping your leafy friend healthy.
Ask which plants are easy to take care of, and start with those. Make sure to ask how much light, water, and pruning that the plant will need. While almost all plants need water and sun to survive, it is possible to give them too much of a good thing. In addition, ask if your plant is an annual (a plant that only survives for one year) or perennial (a plant that comes back each spring). Consider writing down the advice you learn in order to keep track.
Another thing to keep in mind is safety. Contact your state’s call center before you start digging deeply to avoid hitting utility lines. Don’t spend too much time outside on extra hot days, and keep yourself hydrated.
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Now that you’ve learned our gardening tips for beginners, are you ready to get started? It’s never too late in life to discover the joy of gardening. In fact, you might find that retirement is the perfect time to pick up the hobby.
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