Starting a Garden for Beginners 🌱
Are you wanting to embark on a thrilling journey into the world of gardening? It can be intimidating to know where to start. When I first decided that I wanted to start a small garden, I had no idea where to begin. I was googling information and calling my grandparents to pick their brain for information. This blog will hopefully give you the basic beginner steps that helped me know where to start. Gardening is not only a fun hobby, but having a garden is a great way to help the earth- and that is what we are all about!
Here in Utah where the Spring season is usually bipolar, and the cold always seems to linger a little too long, starting seeds indoors is a fantastic way to kickstart your gardening adventures.
Choose your seeds/ Plan out your garden. The first step is to decide what you want to grow. From beautiful flowers, to crisp vegetables, there are many different options! Consider things such as, how much space you have, how much you are actually going to consume the end result, and how much time you are willing to put into maintaining the plant. I am a type A personality, so I like to draw out where I am going to put everything on a piece of paper. Once you have decided what you want to do, head to your local nursery or garden store to purchase your seeds. They can be ordered online too.
Some staples that I have personally had success with and are usually a safe bet in this climate are- tomatos, cucumebers, zucchini, potatoes, onions, peppers, squash, and carrots. Not all seeds need to be started early indoors, some sprout quick enough that it is not necessary. Check the sprout time on packages to decide. Tomatos, zucchini, and peppers are ones that need more time to sprout and produce so they are great ones to get a jump on.
Start seeds indoors. There are a dozen DIY ways to start your seeds indoors out there. I beleive in doing what is best for you with the supplies that you have. There are things all around the house that you can use. Toilet paper rolls, old milk cartons cut in half, save your jam, and mason jars, or even head to your local garden store and ask for thrown out plasic containers that you can use year after year. I have found it is best to use the larger containers for the tomato, they require the most time indoors. Vegetables such as peppers, pumpkins, or squash do great in any size.
Pick your space. I would recommend starting small. Begin with a manageable area that receives adequate sunlight and has access to water. Whether you have a backyard, balcony, or windowsill, there is a gardening solution for every space. I found that when I started small the first few years, I could get a better grasp on how much work I was willing to put in the garden. If your garden is too big for the time you have, you will get less reward.
Make sure that you have good soil. Remove any weeds, rocks, or debris and enrich the soil with compost, organic mulch, or planting soil. This can be found at any local garden store. Bonus points if you get it in a truck, rather than bags. I invested in some DIY planter boxes last year, they are my favorite. It requires less bending down and allows for the plants to be separated and grow on their own. They are super easy to make on your own (blog post about that another time) but they can also be bought for not too expensive.
Plant away! Once you’ve selected your plants, its time to get them in the ground! Follow the planting instructions on the see packets or plant tags, making sure to space them appropriately to allow for proper growth. I have learned that as a safe bet, the roots go deeper than you think, give the plants a little extra room so they have enough space to flourish and grow!
Garden keep up. Here in the heat of July, don’t forget to give your plants enough water! If you are watering by hand, set reminders on your phone. Peppers, zucchini, carrots, and most ground plants needs lots of water. Don’t forget to give them what they need. I do a 100% pesticide free garden and have had no issues with bugs. TIP: if you plant onions throughout the whole garden, the bugs will stay away, they don’t like the smell.
Harvesting and enjoying! As your garden grows, you’ll be rewarded with a bounty of fresh produce and beautiful blooms. Harvest vegetables when they’re ripe for the best flavor and texture. Don’t be affraid to get creative in the kitchen with your homegrown ingredients.
Starting a garden is a journey filled with learning and growth, both for your plants and for yourself. With patience, dedication, and a little bit of dirt under your fingernails, you’ll soon be reaping the rewards of your backyard oasis. I have loved my gardening journey the last few years, I love the rewards that come from putting in the work. I also feel like a connection to mother earth. So roll up your sleeves, grab your gardening gloves, and get ready to dig in- your green thumb awaits!
