It takes time, patience, and some knowledge to become a good gardener. These 10 tips will help you become a successful gardener, whether you’re just starting out or want to take your skills to the next level.
Get to Know Your Garden
Take the time to learn about your garden’s unique conditions before you plant anything. Find out which areas get full sun and which get shade, and find out if the soil is acidic or alkaline. Check out what’s already growing to learn more about the soil. Camellias, magnolias, and pieris grow in acidic soil, while those plants that don’t grow there mean the soil is alkaline. Doing a soil test will confirm the pH level. These facts will help you choose plants that will do well.
Make a Garden Plan
Draw out where you want to put garden beds, paths, seating, and other things. For example, put sun-loving perennials and annuals together in a sunny bed, and put tall trellis plants at the back of a border behind shorter bloomers. Planning ahead lets you place plants in a way that makes the most of their color, height, and bloom time.
Learn Proper Planting Techniques
Taking time to prepare soil and plant properly ensures healthy, long-living plants. Weed and loosen soil before planting. Dig holes to the depth of the root ball and twice as wide. For potted plants, gently loosen the roots before placing in the hole. Backfill with soil, tamping down gently to remove air pockets. Water thoroughly after planting. Add mulch around plants to conserve moisture and inhibit weeds.
Water and Feed on Schedule
Inconsistent watering leads to poor plant health. Learn plants’ watering needs and supply the right amount at the proper time. Generally, less frequent deep watering is better than frequent light watering. Add organic matter like compost to help sandy and clay soils retain moisture. Fertilize plants regularly during the growing season according to label directions. Container plants need more frequent feeding than in-ground plants.
Start Small
When starting a new garden, it’s easy to want to do everything at once, but don’t. Take your time. Work on one small section at a time. Place cardboard, plastic, or landscape fabric over empty spots to keep weeds out until you’re ready to plant there. Starting small lets you prepare the soil well, plant carefully, and keep up with maintenance in each area.
Monitor for Pests
Keep an eye out for pests like aphids, beetles, slugs and fungi. Early detection can help prevent major infestations. Learn to identify common garden pests and know organic control methods like horticultural oils, insecticidal soaps and neem oil. Maintain plant health through proper care as prevention. Accept minor damage, since many pests play a role in the ecosystem.
Compost Yard Waste
Composting returns nutrients to your soil, reduces landfill waste and provides free fertilizer. Collect plant debris, leaves, grass clippings and certain kitchen scraps in a pile or bin. Turn and water the compost as needed while it breaks down. Apply finished compost as a nutritious mulch around plants. Work some into soil when preparing new garden beds or holes for planting.
Learn Proper Pruning
Pruning maintains plant shape, size and health. With fruit trees and flowering shrubs, it maximizes production. Always prune purposefully, using the right technique for that plant. Time pruning based on when plants bloom, fruit or experience growth spurts. Disinfect pruning tools between plants to prevent disease spread. Remove crossing, damaged or inward-facing branches and just the oldest third of growth.
Provide Wildlife Habitat
A garden teeming with life is a rewarding sight. Birds, butterflies, bees, frogs and other creatures can help control pests and pollinate plants. Put up birdhouses and birdbaths. Include native plants that provide food, shelter and egg-laying sites. Avoid pesticides, grow organic food, and tolerate minor damage, which supports biodiversity. Aim for year-round habitat by planting for sequential blooms and fruits.
Make Time to Relax
Don’t forget to savor your garden oasis! Install benches, hammocks or table seating. Plant fragrant flowers, herbs and foliage near relaxation spots. Position chairs and swings to enjoy views of the garden and passing wildlife. Maintaining a garden takes work, but be sure to pause frequently, observe and appreciate your living space. Share it with others for a give-and-take of knowledge and inspiration.
Following these tips will lead to gardening success and enjoyment. Gardening is a never-ending learning experience. Keep observing your plants and the environment. Experiment, adjust techniques as needed and enjoy the fruits of your labor. With practice and patience, you’ll become a skilled gardener.
Tips for transplanting seedlings:
- Pick a day when it’s not windy and the temperature is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Water the seedlings well before transplanting.
- Make a hole twice as wide as the seedling’s root ball.
- Take the seedling carefully out of the pot or seed tray and put it in the hole.
- Fill the hole with soil and water the seedling well.
- Apply mulch around the seedling to help retain moisture.
How to Start Seeds Indoors
- About 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost date, put seed starting mix in seed trays or pots.
- Plant seeds according to package directions.
- Cover seeds with a thin layer of soil.
- Water lightly.
- Place seed trays or pots in a warm, sunny spot. You also can use a grow light.
- Keep soil moist but not soggy.
- After the seedlings have grown leaves, separate them so that there is only one in each pot or seed tray cell.
- Continue to water and fertilize seedlings as needed.
- Begin the process of acclimating the seedlings to the outdoors. This process, which is also called “hardening off,” lets plants get used to the weather so they are less stressed when they are moved.
Gardening for Beginners Series: Gardening Basics for Beginners
FAQ
How do I get better at gardening?
Key mindset tips: If something doesn’t work, adjust and try again. Keep learning and experimenting each season. You don’t have to figure it all out on your own. Tap into resources: Join local garden clubs. Watch tutorials on YouTube. Talk to experienced gardeners–most are happy to share advice.
What is the rule of 3 in gardening?
The rule of threes is a design principle that says planting things in groups of three makes them look more natural, balanced, and nice to look at. Below, our Superbells calibrachoa are doing a wonderful job brightening an outdoor area with their amazing bursts of color. Dec 26, 2024.
What qualities do you need to be a gardener?
You’ll need:the ability to work well with your hands. to be thorough and pay attention to detail. the ability to work well with others. customer service skills. the ability to operate and control equipment. the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools. physical skills like lifting, bending and reaching.
What is the most common mistake of first time gardeners?
Read on to learn some of the most common mistakes made by beginner gardeners—and how to avoid them. Planting too much. Planting too soon (or too late) . Planting in just any old soil. Planting where there’s not enough sun. Crowding your plants. Planting far from a water source. Not feeding your plants. Forgetting to harvest.