As the weather warms, many people consider becoming first-time green-thumb enthusiasts. Planting seeds in your backyard or local community garden is mentally stimulating and gives you constant access to fresh food. If this activity interests you, use these five pointers gardening beginners need to know.
Start Small
As with any new hobby, the easiest way to succeed is to start small. Gardening is a complicated process, and biting off more than your can chew will add stress to your life and ruin the entire experience. So always focus on simple goals, such as only growing a few select plants at one time. Additionally, limit the number of plants in your garden to avoid confusion and mistakes.
Proper Placement
The placement of your garden is essential for success early on, so ensure you find the best location for your plants. You want your plot visible from the house; this will motivate you to care for the garden more often.
Additionally, ensure you have a water source near the plants, such as a hose. Lastly, determine an area in your lawn that receives an average of six hours of suitable sunlight. You typically don’t have to worry about placement requirements if you’re planting at a community garden.
Spend Big on Soil
Quality soil is a kind of cheat code for beginner gardeners since it’s so beneficial to plant growth and doesn’t require much effort to incorporate into your plot. But what makes a great soil product? We recommend nutrient-rich soil that drains water effectively. There are specific soil products for traditional gardens, potted plants, and raised beds, so always ensure you purchase the correct kind.
Grow Quality Seeds
Another way to “hack” your garden and ensure success is to plant high-quality seeds. Cheaper seeds typically don’t perform well, especially for first-time gardeners. Instead, opt for products from reputable sources. Additionally, seek out heirloom seeds as these plants are more disease-resistant and produce great-tasting produce each and every year!
Consider your Regional Zone
What is a hardiness zone? It’s a number that designates which plants will have the most success in a particular region. The United States Department of Agriculture helps determine our country’s hardiness zones. The country itself divides into zones of 10-degree differences.
There are 13 zones in total. Determine which zone your garden falls under to understand which plants are most suitable for planting in your area. For instance, zone 6 is great for most types of vegetables as the average temperature is consistent throughout the year.
These five pointers for beginner gardeners will help you achieve more success when first starting this new hobby. Here at ARK Heirloom Seeds, we carry an heirloom seed starter kit that’s perfect for jumpstarting your new garden.
