Gardening for Beginners: How to Start a Garden
Calling all newbie gardeners: if you’re dreaming of a gorgeous, lush garden but don’t know where to start, we’ve got you. Planning your garden may seem daunting at first (especially when you’re a beginner), but we’re here to help make it as simple as can be.
Whether you’re a first-time gardener or getting back into it after a hiatus, knowing what your plants need is the best way to set yourself up for success.
We’ve put together some Plant Profiles of easy-to-grow vegetables, herbs, perennials and annuals. We’ll break down how much sun they need, how often you should water them, and the ideal temperature for them to thrive. Think of it as your very own handy dandy cheat sheet.
Plus, learn even more by checking out The Miraculous Green Guide. It’s a great resource for beginners, filled with helpful tips and information on every part of the gardening journey.
Get to know each plant below, and let’s help you grow the garden of your dreams.
VEGETABLE GARDENING FOR BEGINNERS
Growing your own veggies is incredibly rewarding (and delicious). Miracle-Gro All-purpose Potting Mix can help you to grow healthier, tastier veggies.
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Swiss chard
This nutrient-packed veggie is high in antioxidants but low on maintenance. Enjoy it steamed or sauteed, in soups, salads, casseroles and more.
Water: Needs a moderate amount of water, about 1-1.5 inches weekly. Doesn’t grow well with wet roots so avoid overwatering.
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
Ideal temperature: 55-70 degrees
Broccoli
Fiber-rich and flavorful, broccoli is the perfect veggie to always have on hand. Enjoy it raw, steamed, in a stir-fry, or even in fritters.
Water: Needs a moderate amount of water, about 1-2 inches weekly.
Sunlight: Full sun
Ideal temperature: 65-75 degrees
Spinach
This super versatile superfood is so easy to enjoy in salads, a dip, pastas, or as a side dish.
Water: Needs a moderate amount of water, about 1-1.5 inches weekly. Doesn’t grow well with wet roots so avoid overwatering.
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
Ideal temperature: 50-60 degrees
ANNUAL GARDENING FOR BEGINNERS
Annuals only last for one growing season, unlike perennials that come back year after year. You can enjoy the freedom to experiment with different flowers and change things up every year with annuals. Pro tip: Miracle-Gro Performance Organics All-Purpose Container Mix can feed your annuals for up to three months, and help you grow more gorgeous flowers.
Pansy
These unique flowers look like they have upturned faces on them. Here’s how to keep them smiling.
Water: Keep soil evenly moist
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
Ideal temperature: 40-60 degrees
Petunia
Petunias are popular for a reason. Not only are they low-maintenance, their vivid colors will brighten any garden. Pro tip: Remove fading or dead flowers from the plant for best results.
Water: Keep soil evenly moist
Sunlight: Full sun
Ideal temperature: 65-75 degrees
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Marigold
Get yourself some marigold flowers and you’ll strike gold with beautiful yellow and orange blooms. They last all summer and attract pollinators that will repel unpleasant plant-munching insects from your vegetable garden.
Water: Needs a moderate amount of water, about 1 inch weekly. Just be sure to water the base of the plant and avoid watering the leaves.
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
Ideal temperature: 65-75 degrees
HERB GARDENING FOR BEGINNERS
Freshly grown herbs add flavor and beauty to all your dishes. They’re a no-fuss plant that’s perfectly content growing in containers. Help them grow stronger and healthier with Miracle-Gro Performance Organics All-purpose Plant Food, an organic and natural formula.
Chives
Grow your own chives and start sprinkling them on soups, dips, baked potatoes and omelets. Pro tip: when harvesting, cut about an inch above the base of the plant so it successfully regrows more leaves.
Water: Needs a moderate amount of water, about 1-2 inches weekly. Just be sure to let the soil dry out between waterings.
Sunlight: Full sun
Ideal temperature: 40-80 degrees
Parsley
Whether you’re using parsley for its unique flavor or as a garnish, enjoy it in salads, soups, stews, and tabbouleh. Pro tip: when harvesting, cut the leaf stalk near the base of the plant (don’t just take the leafy tip) to encourage new growth.
Water: Needs a moderate amount of water, about 2 inches weekly.
Sunlight: Full sun
Ideal temperature: 50-70 degrees
Basil
Fresh pasta, anyone? This fragrant herb is perfect on pastas, pizzas, and for making your own pesto sauce. Pro tip: pinch off the tip of the stem (also called the growing point) to encourage branching and prevent flowering.
Water: Needs a light to moderate amount of water, about 1 inch weekly. The soil should be consistently damp, but not too soggy.
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
Ideal temperature: 50-80 degrees
Perennial Gardening for Beginners
Not only are they beautiful, they come back every year. Get your perennials off to a strong start with Miracle-Gro Performance Organics All-Purpose In-Ground Soil, it feeds up to 3 months.
Peony
These stunning flowers come in pink, red, orange, yellow and white – take your pick.
Water: Needs a light amount of water, about 1 inch weekly. Be sure not to overwater!
Sunlight: Full sun
Ideal temperature: 50-70 degrees. Peonies thrive best in cool climates.
Hosta
As shade-loving perennials, hostas are often grown for their lush foliage, but can grow beautiful flowers too. Pro tip: keep deer and rabbits from munching on your hostas with animal repellent sprays.
Water: Needs a moderate amount of water, about 1-2 inches weekly (depending on the size). It’s best to do a slow, deep soak once a week rather than multiple small waterings throughout the week.
Sunlight: Partial shade to full shade. Hostas are not a fan of direct sunlight!
Ideal temperature: 50-70 degrees
Hydrangea
These showstopping shrubs have flower heads containing clusters of small, colorful blooms.
Water: Needs a moderate amount of water, about 1-2 inches weekly. However, they prefer to be watered 2-3 times per week rather than all in one go.
Sunlight: Partial shade. Morning sun is best, although some panicle varieties can tolerate more sun.
Ideal temperature: 50-70 degrees
Become a master gardener with The Miraculous Green Guide
Growing a garden is a journey, and that journey is a whole lot easier when you have a guide on hand.
The Miraculous Green Guide is your go-to resource for all things gardening, with detailed content that delves into every stage of the gardening journey. You’ll find information, inspiration, celebrations of gardening culture, and more. Check it out now to cultivate your passion and begin your journey to garden mastery.