Starting a garden seems like a daunting task to someone with zero experience. What if the plants never grow or it’s a huge waste of money? As a beginner gardener with only two years of experience, I am learning that as long as I have a strong setup with healthy soil, plenty of sun, and a watering routine, it’s really not that hard to grow stuff. Starting small seems like the way to go for beginners, but here are a few reasons why that might not be the best route when starting a garden.
This year marks two years of growing our own backyard greens, vegetables, and some flowers. For the first time as a beginner gardener, I explored fall gardening. Due to intimidation from my own lack of experience, I only planted a portion of the seeds from my spinach, lettuce, and cilantro packets. I am mostly experienced with seedlings so I was nervous to direct sow in a cooler season. To my surprise, the little seeds sprouted quickly and my family enjoyed bountiful salads from the buttercrunch lettuce harvest. I immediately regretted not planting more! All that to say, choosing to start small turned into a regret and now I wait for the cold months of winter to pass until I can start growing again.
For many people living in an area with different climates throughout the year, we are limited by growing seasons. Certain crops thrive in warmer conditions while others thrive in cooler temperatures. One of my favorite gardening resources that has been a huge help in my journey happens to be Gardenary. Founder Nicole Johnsey Burke provides education on how to garden by seasons to expand your gardening time. If you grow a small garden and end up wishing you planted more, you often have to wait months for the next season. Make the most of each growing season by planting crops throughout the warm and cool seasons.
I understand the intimidation that beginner gardeners feel. I still consider myself a beginner! While I agree that quality can be better than quantity, you will quickly learn in gardening that different plants work well together. Sometimes planting more can actually improve the quality of your garden. For example, herbs help combat pests and animals from bothering other crops due to the scent they give off. Flowers attract much-needed pollinators to help your garden flourish. Planting a variety of plants that work well together makes gardening even more exciting as you always have more to learn.
In conclusion, those who believe in the method of “starting small” as a first-time gardener are not totally wrong. Starting small by focusing on a few hardy plants at a time allows beginner gardeners to build confidence and take time learning about the care for each plant. It may seem less overwhelming to slowly step into gardening, but just consider how the rest of nature works. Plants are growing everywhere, all together, all the time! If you are new to gardening, spend the colder months researching garden setups, plants that thrive together, and simple ways to maintain a backyard garden. The more you know, the more you can grow.
Shopping for a garden lover is actually a lot easier than you may think. Here are five simple gift ideas for any gardener in your life, no matter how experienced.
Looking to spruce up your porch this holiday season? Read how I made this winter porch pot with my toddler to add festive greenery out front!