New to Gardening? Top 5 Things for New Gardeners to Know.

When you’re new to gardening, things can get overwhelming pretty quickly. And while each plant comes with its own instructions for growing success, there are a couple of basic things for a new gardener to first understand. Take a breath, sit back, and learn these five things that might make you feel better about your new gardening adventures.

Take a look at this list and we encourage you to read more about each numbered tip below. We think it might give you some good insight and a foundation for when you are just beginning to garden. Our website is full of information about specific plants and how to take care of them, or how to build your soil, when to plant, and more. When you have a gardening question, you are just a search button click away from finding the answer. But this list is here to reassure you that when you have some basics covered, you’re going to be alright.

 

5 Gardening Bits of Advice for New Gardeners

 

1. Learn that quality, healthy soil is the main building block of any garden.
2. Learn the light exposure in your landscape.
3. Start with a small garden or a few pots, so you don’t get overwhelmed.
4. All gardeners MUST research plants before purchasing them.
5. Know that gardening is full of trial and error, and be okay with that.

 

Let’s dive a little deeper into why we think these 5 gardening tips will help new gardeners out.

 

1. New to Gardening? Learn that quality, healthy soil is the main building block of any garden.

• Without healthy soil, plants lack a source of essential nutrients and struggle to grow. This is often an overlooked detail in gardening and it is one of the most important to acknowledge and cultivate.
• Incorporate organic matter, like compost or aged manure, into native garden soils and purchase quality potting mixes.
• By nurturing the soil in your landscapes and pots, you lay the foundation for thriving gardens and container gardens, bursting with vibrant, and productive plants.

2. New to Gardening? Learn the light exposure in your landscape.

• Monitor and take notes of light exposure for a day from sun up to sun down. Notice what time shadows fall and how long they cast shade.
• For instance, sun-loving plants like tomatoes need at least six hours of direct sunlight, while shade-loving plants such as ferns do best with minimal sun exposure. You wouldn’t want to plant a tomato under a bunch of trees that cast filtered light all day, or a fern somewhere that receives the hot afternoon sun.
• When learning light exposure in your landscape, also keep in mind that the intensity of our San Antonio sun is different throughout the year. For example: A plant that does well in full afternoon sun in the springtime, might crisp up and burn in the same place during summer.
• Gardeners that force a plant into areas that offer correct light exposure are quickly disappointed in their gardening attempts.

3. New to Gardening? Start with a small garden or a few pots, so you don’t get overwhelmed.

• Choose a few easy-to-grow plants that thrive in our local climate, and focus on learning their needs.
• As you gain confidence and experience, you can gradually expand your garden, experimenting with different types of plants and more complex gardening techniques.
• Consider starting with herbs like basil or mint, which can be grown in small pots and are forgiving to beginners.
• And grow what you like. There’s not much point in putting your money, time, and energy into growing a ton of veggies you won’t even enjoy eating.

4. New to Gardening? Research plants before purchasing them.

• Understanding the specific needs of each plant will ensure they thrive in their new environment.
• New gardeners, and well versed gardeners, must consider plant needs such as sunlight, water, soil type, climate compatibility, and height and width at mature growth.
• Gathering this information not only promotes healthier plants but also leads to a more rewarding gardening experience.
• Your best shot at success with gardening is buying plants that are native or acclimated to your specific climate.
• It can save you money and effort by reducing the likelihood of plant replacements and unnecessary maintenance.

5. New to Gardening? Know that gardening is full of trial and error, and be okay with that.

• The more experience you gain when gardening, will teach you that each plant has its own unique needs, and sometimes it takes a few attempts to understand what makes them thrive.
• Embrace the learning process and celebrate the small victories in the garden along the way.
• Remember, even the most experienced gardeners started with a single seed and learned through their mistakes.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for advice. Rainbow Gardens is just a visit, phone call, email, or search button away and we are happy to help you achieve success.

 

Whether you have a small balcony or a sprawling backyard, the joy of nurturing life from the soil is a reward in itself. So, roll up your sleeves, get your hands dirty, and savor the journey of growth. Your garden will thank you with its beauty, and you’ll find a deeper connection to the natural world around you. We hope that in a short amount of time, a new gardener will decide to become a life long gardener. 

Good Luck! For a printable version that compiles these gardening tips, click here. 

~The Happy Gardener and The Rainbow Gardens Team