The Fervor for Gardening Ultimately Leads to Our Demise
In the first 25 years of their life, the author had little interest in gardening, finding tasks like digging, mowing, and raking leaves tedious. However, everything changed when they acquired their first house and a small concrete yard to tend to.
For those starting their gardening journey with little to no experience, here are some key steps to follow:
- Choose the right location: Select a spot in your home or yard that suits the type of plants you want to grow. Consider factors like sunlight (full sun, partial shade), soil drainage, and ease of access for watering.
- Pick your plants carefully: Start with plants that are easy to grow and suited to your local climate. Native plants or common local veggies and herbs are good choices. Check seed packets or plant labels for sunlight and water needs. Observing neighbors’ gardens can give ideas about what thrives locally.
- Prepare the soil well: Work on improving the soil by loosening it and adding organic matter like compost. Good soil ensures adequate nutrients and drainage for healthy plants.
- Get basic gardening tools: A small shovel, hand trowel, watering can or hose, pruners, and gloves will help you manage your garden efficiently.
- Plan your garden layout: Map out where each plant will go, paying attention to spacing so plants aren’t crowded. Proper spacing reduces the risk of diseases and allows healthy growth. Label your plants to keep track of what you planted where.
- Start with easy plants like herbs: Basil, thyme, and other herbs are beginner-friendly, fragrant, and useful in cooking. Herbs can be grown indoors or outdoors in containers or garden beds—making them ideal first plants.
- Plant with care and provide support: Some plants like sweet peas benefit from support structures such as trellises or stakes. Follow planting depth guidelines and transplant seedlings outdoors only after proper hardening-off (gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions).
- Water thoughtfully: Water deeply and less frequently rather than shallowly and often, encouraging deep root growth. A good soak once a week is better than frequent light watering.
- Keep track of your progress: Make notes or keep a garden scrapbook with pictures and observations. This helps you learn what works for your garden and improve over time.
Starting small, learning steadily, and observing your plants are crucial for beginner gardeners to build confidence and enjoy success in gardening. These tips provide a structured approach to gardening for novices with little experience and can be adapted based on your local conditions and garden size.
Gardening is typically a friendly community where knowledge is shared. Local allotment collectives and garden clubs exist in various towns and villages for practical help and social interaction. Florist Florence Kennedy, aged 38, started growing flowers to supplement her bouquets with varieties she saw on social media but could not find in flower markets.
The purpose of a garden is to make the people and creatures who occupy that space happy. Most people will eventually become gardeners, according to the author. Gardening is supposed to be an enjoyable activity, with both triumphs and hiccups accepted.
For further inspiration and expert advice, you can visit James Alexander-Sinclair, a renowned garden designer, journalist, author, speaker, podcaster, Fellow of the Society of Garden & Landscape Designers, RHS Vice President, Gardens Judge & Ambassador for Garden Design. He can be found at jamesalexandersinclair.com.
- For those looking to enhance their home-and-garden lifestyle, James Alexander-Sinclair, a renowned garden designer, offers expert advice on garden design at his website, jamesalexandersinclair.com.
- As a beginner in gardening, following a structured approach by choosing the right location, picking suitable plants, and planning a garden layout can lead to success and a fulfilling home-and-garden lifestyle.
