How To Start A Garden - 12 Steps for Beginner Gardeners

Moving from the city to the suburbs brought us more space, and I knew I wanted a new hobby – gardening. As an outdoor activity that my daughter and I can enjoy together. Gardening does take quite the investment of time and money, especially if you start with raised garden beds. If you're hesitant, start small and begin with herbs in pots.

How To Start A Garden - 12 Steps for Beginner Gardeners

There's something truly magical about tending to a garden and witnessing the wonders of nature unfold. Starting a garden offers a productive use of space, a canvas to paint your yard with vibrant colors, fragrant blooms, and an abundant harvest of fruits and vegetables. Let's grow together!

How do I plan the layout of my garden?

Planning the layout of your garden is an important step to ensure a well-designed and functional outdoor space. Here are some steps to help you plan the layout of your garden:

1. Assess your space:

Start by taking a good look at your garden and observing its size, shape, and any existing features. Consider factors such as sunlight exposure, soil quality, and drainage. This will help you determine what types of plants and structures will thrive in your garden.

2. Define your goals:

Think about how you want to use your garden. Do you want it to be a space for relaxation, entertaining guests, growing vegetables, or all of the above? Identifying your goals will guide your layout decisions and ensure that your garden meets your needs.

3. Create zones:

Divide your garden into different zones based on their specific functions. Common zones include seating areas, dining spaces, play areas, and plant beds. This helps organize the space and creates a sense of order and purpose.

4. Consider pathways:

Determine how you will move through your garden by planning pathways. They can be made of materials like gravel, stone, or wood, depending on your style and budget.

5. Choose plants wisely:

Select plants that are suitable for your climate, soil type, and sunlight exposure. Consider their growth habits, heights, and colors to create a visually appealing garden. Group plants with similar needs together to make watering and maintenance easier.

6. Think about structure:

Incorporate structures like trellises, arbors, and fences to add height and visual interest to your garden. These structures can also provide support for climbing plants or create privacy.

7. Add focal points:

Include focal points in your garden design to draw the eye and create visual interest. This could be a sculpture, a fountain, or a beautiful plant arrangement.

8. Consider sustainability:

Opt for sustainable gardening practices by using organic fertilizers, conserving water, and attracting beneficial insects. This will not only benefit the environment but also promote the health and longevity of your garden.

9. Plan for growth:

Keep in mind that plants will grow and change over time. Leave enough space for them to spread out and consider how they will look at different stages of growth.

10. Get creative with container gardening:

If you have limited space or poor soil quality, consider container gardening. You can grow a variety of plants in containers, including flowers, herbs, and even small vegetables.

11. Start small:

It's easy to get overwhelmed when starting a garden, so start small and gradually expand. This allows you to learn and experiment without feeling too overwhelmed.

12. Enjoy the process:

Gardening is a journey, so remember to enjoy the process and not just focus on the end result. Take time to appreciate the beauty of nature and the satisfaction of nurturing your own garden.

Should I use raised beds?

Without a doubt! If you're wondering whether to use raised garden beds, I highly recommend Greenes Fence raised garden beds. You can learn more about why in this blog post.

I cannot stress enough how much I endorse Greenes Fence products, particularly their Cedar Raised Garden Bed, which has truly transformed my gardening experience. Its durability and practicality make it the base of my garden, making gardening enjoyable and easy, even for beginners like me.

When you build your raised garden beds, find a sunny spot. Most plants require at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day.

What type of soil is best to use for a garden?

First of all, I'd recommend starting with a soil test to better understand your soil. Sunday sells them. Healthy soil is key to a good garden. They've helped with our yard for a few years now.

For an optimal garden, the most suitable type of soil to use is a combination of various layers that ensure healthy plant growth. When creating raised garden beds, a cost-effective approach is to start by layering the bottom with cardboard to prevent weed growth. Next, add a layer comprising old dirt, leaves, and lawn clippings.

To provide essential nutrients and enhance soil quality, incorporate a layer of black dirt from a local hardware store. Finally, top it off with a rich layer of garden soil. This carefully crafted soil blend will create a fertile and nourishing environment, setting the stage for a thriving garden that you can cherish and enjoy.

You might also like …

11 best garden plants for beginners

When it comes to choosing the best plants for your garden, there are numerous factors to consider, such as your climate, soil type, sunlight exposure, and personal preferences. 

I may be a new to home gardening, but I can tell you my greatest gardening tip -- plant what you want to eat! For example, here’s my superfood salad recipe. In the summer, I can grow most of the ingredients myself!

Here are some popular and versatile plants that tend to thrive in many garden settings:

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are one of the most popular garden plants due to their delicious taste and versatility. They come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors, making them suitable for different garden spaces.

Basil

This fragrant herb is easy to grow and adds a burst of flavor to many dishes. It also attracts pollinators to your garden, making it beneficial for other plants as well.

Marigolds

Marigolds are not only visually appealing with their vibrant colors, but they also help repel pests like aphids and nematodes. They are low maintenance and can be a great addition to any garden.

Sunflowers

These tall and cheerful flowers are not only beautiful but also attract bees and birds to your garden. They come in various sizes and colors, making them a versatile choice for any garden.

Zucchini

If you have a vegetable garden, growing zucchini can be a rewarding experience. They are relatively easy to grow and produce abundant harvests throughout the summer.

Lavender 

Lavender is known for its calming scent and beautiful purple flowers. It is drought-tolerant and attracts pollinators, making it a lovely addition to any garden.

Peppers

Peppers come in a variety of heat levels, from mild bell peppers to spicy chili peppers. They are a versatile addition to any garden and can be used in a wide range of dishes.

Herbs

Herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley are easy to grow and add flavor to your meals. They can be grown in garden beds or even in small pots on your windowsill.

Lettuce

Lettuce is a cool-season crop that can be grown throughout the year in most climates. It is a great option for beginner gardeners, as it is easy to grow and provides a continuous harvest.

Cucumbers 

Cucumbers are another popular vegetable to grow in the garden. They are easy to grow and can produce a plentiful harvest. They can be eaten fresh or used in a variety of dishes such as salads or pickles. Cucumbers can be very tall plants so have a trellis on hand for vines to grow up.

Strawberries

Strawberries are a sweet and delicious fruit that can be grown in the garden. They can be grown in containers or in the ground and are a great option for small gardens or balconies.

How to start planning a garden

1. Create a Plant List with Companion Plants:

Begin by making a list of the plants you wish to grow along with their planting dates. Consider their specific requirements, such as sunlight, soil type, and water needs. Take advantage of companion planting, where certain plants thrive when grown together, benefiting from the mutual support and pest control they provide.

2. Design a Garden Map:

Design a map of your garden area, indicating where you plan to plant each type of plant. Utilize graph paper for precise measurements, and take into account the recommended spacing mentioned on seed packets. This map will serve as a valuable guide during planting.

3. Start Seeds Indoors:

Considering plants start indoors, the growing season is long. For certain plants, starting seeds indoors can give them a head start and increase their chances of success. Use seed trays or small pots with a good-quality seed-starting mix. Adequate light and a controlled environment are crucial during this stage.

4. Plant Outdoors After Frost:

Be super careful moving the plant roots from the seed starter tray to the outdoor existing soil. Timing is key for outdoor planting. Wait until the risk of frost has passed before transplanting your seedlings into the garden. Consult your local frost dates to determine the best time to plant, usually about two weeks after the last expected frost.

5. Incorporate Starter Plants:

Alongside your homegrown seedlings, consider adding a few starter plants obtained from a reputable nursery or garden center. It's a nice addition to buy plants because you don't need to account for planting time. These plants are already established, saving you time and ensuring a variety of plants for a more diverse garden.

By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to creating a beautifully planned and thoughtfully cultivated garden. The process of planting, nurturing, and watching your garden grow will fill you with a sense of fulfillment and joy as you witness nature's wonders firsthand.

---