If you want to own a beautiful garden and don’t know how to start, this article is for you. Let’s follow 10 steps to start a garden for beginners, set the garden step by step as below, you will certainly be successful.
1. Consider what garden do you want
The first step to start a garden is to consider what kind of garden. Do you want a vegetable garden or flower garden? A herb garden or mixed garden? Each type of garden will have a different technique of growing and caring. And this also determines what kinds of soil you need, so let’s consider and choose what garden you want.
If you want vegetables with a lot of nutrients to contribute for a family meal, a green and fresh vegetable garden is the perfect choice. On the other hand, if you want a relaxing and beautiful space in the house, a flower garden is the best. Each one makes benefits for the owner but will have different maintenance requirements.
2. Pick garden spot – 10 easy steps to start a garden for beginners
After determining what kind of garden, you need to choose a spot for your garden. Picking a good location for your garden is absolutely key. A good location can result in high – quality veggies! Here are some tips to get a right pot:
- Sunny pot: Most vegetables and flowers need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. Observe your yard to identify areas that receive full sun throughout the day. Avoid shady spots under trees or buildings.
- Soil Quality: Good soil is essential for a healthy garden. Look for well-drained, loamy soil that’s rich in organic matter. Avoid areas with heavy clay or sandy soil, as they can affect plant growth. You might need to amend the soil with compost or other organic materials.
- Water Access: Ensure the spot you choose is convenient for watering. Proximity to a water source can save time and effort. Also, check that the area doesn’t get waterlogged or remain too dry.
- Drainage: Avoid low-lying areas where water tends to pool, as this can lead to root rot and other issues. A gently sloping area is usually better for proper drainage.
- Accessibility: Choose a location that’s easy to reach for planting, weeding, and harvesting. Proximity to your home can also make it more enjoyable and convenient to tend to your garden.
- Protection from Wind: Strong winds can damage plants and make gardening more difficult. If possible, pick a spot that’s somewhat shielded from prevailing winds, or consider using windbreaks like fences or hedges.
- Proximity to Pests: Be mindful of areas where pests are a problem, such as near compost piles or pet areas. You might want to place your garden away from these potential trouble spots.
- Space and Expansion: Ensure there’s enough space for your current garden plans and potential future expansions. Allow space for walking paths and growth of plants.
- Soil Testing: It’s a good idea to test your soil for pH and nutrient levels. This will help you understand what amendments may be needed for optimal plant health.
By considering these factors, you’ll set the stage for a thriving and productive garden.
3. Clean the Ground
The next step to start a garden is cleaning and clearing your ground. Begin by getting rid of any weeds and grass in the area where you plan to plant. Use a spade to slice under the sod, cutting it into manageable sections.
Carefully remove the sections of sod, making sure to get rid of the roots and weeds. This method will give you immediate access to the soil beneath.
For a more gradual approach, the lasagna gardening method is an effective and low-maintenance option. Cover the area you plan to garden with five sheets of newspaper. If you’re dealing with tough grasses like Bermuda or St. Augustine, use double the amount of newspaper.
On top of the newspaper, spread a 3-inch layer of compost. You can also use a mix of potting soil and topsoil. Water the entire area thoroughly to help with the decomposition process. The newspaper and compost will break down over the next four months.
If you start this process in the fall, your garden bed will be ready by spring, free of grass and weeds, with rich, ready-to-plant soil.
Both methods have their benefits depending on your timeline and preferences. Choose the one that best fits your gardening goals and schedule.
4. Testing Your Soil
Before planting, it’s essential to determine if your soil is suitable for gardening. Soil testing helps you understand its pH, nutrient levels, and overall quality. This information is crucial for determining what amendments or treatments your soil might need to support healthy plant growth.
Testing isn’t usually necessary if you’re starting with fresh potting soil, but it can be helpful for ongoing containers if you notice issues.
You can purchase a soil testing kit from a garden center or online. These kits typically include instructions for collecting soil samples and interpreting the results.
Gather soil from various spots in your garden to get a representative sample. Mix these samples together and follow the kit’s instructions for testing. Use the provided chart or guide to understand your soil’s pH and nutrient levels. Based on these results, you can decide what amendments are needed.
For more detailed analysis, consider contacting your local university extension service. They can perform comprehensive tests and provide expert recommendations.
Follow the extension service’s instructions for collecting and submitting your soil sample. They will analyze it and send you a detailed report.
5. Preparing planting bed
Properly preparing your planting beds is essential for healthy plant growth. You have two main options for preparing your soil: tilling with a mechanical device such as a rototiller, or digging by hand.
The first one, you use a rototiller or similar mechanical device to loosen the soil. This method is efficient for large areas and when you need to mix in significant amounts of amendments.
Either way is for smaller beds, a spade or spading fork can be used to turn the soil manually. This method allows for more control and is gentler on the soil, making it ideal for smaller areas.
6. Choosing Plants
The next step to start a garden is choosing plants. Whether you spend months browsing catalogs or quickly pick plants from a garden center, make sure to select varieties suited to your climate, soil, and sunlight conditions. Here are some easy-to-grow options for beginners:
- Annuals: Calendula, cosmos, geraniums, impatiens, marigolds, sunflowers, and zinnias.
- Perennials: Black-eyed Susans, daylilies, lamb’s ears, pansies, phlox, purple coneflowers, and Russian sage.
- Vegetables: Cucumbers, lettuce, peppers, and tomatoes.
7. Planting Timing
Some plants, like pansies and kale, can be planted in autumn or late winter as they tolerate colder temperatures. Tomatoes and most annual flowers prefer warmer weather, so plant them after the last frost has passed. Mid-spring and mid-autumn are ideal times to plant perennials.
Many annuals grow easily from seeds sown directly in the garden. Check the seed packet for planting times, depth, and spacing.
For an earlier start, sow seeds indoors a few weeks before the last frost. Use containers or flats with seed-starting soil mixes. Place them on a sunny windowsill or under grow lights. Keep seeds and seedlings moist but not overly wet to prevent rot.
Dig holes according to the plant tag instructions. Remove plants from their containers by pushing up from the bottom. If the roots are root-bound (tangled in a ball), gently loosen them with a fork or your fingers.
Place the plant in the hole, backfill with soil, and water thoroughly to eliminate air pockets.
8. Watering right time
Water daily to prevent drying out. Gradually reduce frequency as plants grow. Water every other day until the roots are established. Then, adjust based on soil, humidity, and rainfall, typically aiming for once a week.
Check the soil 3-4 inches below the surface. If it feels dry, water slowly and deeply. Water in the early morning to minimize evaporation.
9. Mulching
Mulch helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Apply a 2-inch layer of mulch, but avoid covering seeds you want to grow.
Options include shredded bark, straw, and river rock. Organic mulches like bark or compost will enrich the soil as they decompose. For annuals and vegetables, use a mulch that decomposes within a few months. For perennials, choose a longer-lasting mulch like bark chips.
10. Garden Maintenance
As your garden begins to grow, help it reach its full potential by keeping up with garden chores. Water plants before they wilt. Remove weeds before they spread seeds and clear out dead or diseased plant parts. Remove harmful insects by hand, with soapy water, or using insecticidal soap. Support tall plants with stakes or trellises.
Pick vegetables as soon as they are ready. Enjoy the process and the results of your gardening efforts!
By following these steps to start a garden, you’ll set your garden up for success and enjoy a flourishing, beautiful space.