HOW TO START PLANNING AS A BEGINNING GARDENER

Beginning a garden should be fun – not intimidating. It’s easier to start when you have the right knowledge and tools. Be informed about your surroundings and plan before you begin. 

Know your zone

Knowing your planting zone will help guide your plant choices—what to plant and when. Refer to the newest USDA planting zone map to learn which hardiness zone you live in.

Know your space

Plan your garden according to exposure to sun, shade, and wind, and consider the distance from a water source. Choose plants that will fit with the shape of your garden and benefit from your unique space.

Know your soil

Soil is made up of organic matter (animal and plant products) and mineral particles. Understanding your soil is key to growing a successful garden. This can be learned through conducting a soil test to measure levels of three key minerals nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (often abbreviated as NPK). Test kits are available at most local gardening centers, or you can contact your local cooperative extension service where they will run a soil test for you, usually at a minimal charge. 

Ask around

Visit friends’ gardens and join a local garden club. They know your growing area. Seek information from garden centers that will be specific to your area and needs.

Start small

Don’t be overly ambitious, because that often leads to disappointment. If you don’t grow from seed, you can buy well-grown plants or pre-planted seedlings from a reputable garden center to help you start successfully. The plants from Bonnie Plants™ I have grown in my garden are very nice, and I’m really pleased at how they matured into beautiful vegetables and herbs.