By Cara Beth Lewis
Gardening can be relaxing, therapeutic, and rewarding. However, the hobby also requires skill, hard work, and knowledge. Maybe you are a master-gardener with an admirable green thumb, or maybe you have killed every plant you have touched. If you identify with the latter, don’t give up on your green thumb just yet.
Starting a garden can be intimidating and overwhelming. From soil to fertilizer to compost to sun exposure, a lot goes into growing a healthy plant. Don’t get too overwhelmed… We are going to dive into beginner gardening one step at a time.
Step One: Soil.
A healthy, flourishing plant begins at the roots. And where do the roots begin? In the soil. Even though soil preparation is not the most exciting aspect of gardening, proper soil is essential for a successful garden.
The 6 Basics of Healthy Soil (from gardendesign.com.)
- Know Your Soil Type
- Test the pH of Your Soil
- Amend with Organic Matter
- Enlist the Help of Microorganisms
- Mulch with Care
- Favor a No-Till Approach
In order to choose the proper soil, you should know your options.
- Clay soils have tiny, dense particles that hold large reserves of moisture and nutrients. However, clay soil also drains slowly and can become hard and compacted when dry.
- Sandy soils are just the opposite, with large particles that water moves through easily — along with important nutrients.
- Silts have fine particle sizes that pack together tightly, inhibiting drainage and air circulation.
- Loam is the ideal soil for most plants; it contains a balance of all three mineral particles and is rich in humus (what’s left after organic matter decomposes).
Step Two: Fertilizer.
Just like humans, plants need nourishment. Determine the type of soil that your plants need by researching your plants. Pre-packaged fertilizers are designed to meet the needs of a variety of plants. Just like soil, there are different types of fertilizers, too.
Types of Fertilizer (from gardendesign.com):
Organic vs. inorganic:
Fertilizers are available as organic (plant or animal derived) or inorganic (man-made from chemicals). Organic types are better for the environment and help to improve overall soil health. Inorganic fertilizers do nothing to improve soil and have no positive residual effect. In some cases, they can be harmful to the environment and wildlife, so it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before using.
Granular vs. water-soluble:
There are two basic forms of fertilizers, each with advantages and drawbacks. Slow release granular fertilizers have the advantage of delivering nutrients over a longer period of time. Water-soluble fertilizers are faster acting, delivering a boost of nutrients when plants need a quick pick-me-up. These are generally less harsh and not as long-lasting, so need to be applied more frequently.
Step Three: Use the Proper Tools.
To care for your garden properly, you need the proper tools. There are tons of gardening tools out there, but as a beginner gardener it is best to stick to the essentials at first.
Gloves are the first tool that you will need. Gardening can get messy, and there are many opportunities for splinters and thorns to stick in your hands. Wearing gloves can protect your hands from these painful situations.
Pruning shears can help you to keep your plants under control. Pruners should fit in the palm of your hand easily and comfortably. For clean cuts and the best results, your pruning shears should be sharpened when necessary.
Garden Forks are great for turning soil in your garden. They can be used for scooping, digging, and mixing soil. A garden fork with a non-slip grip is ideal for easy use.
Rakes are a great tool for sweeping away unwanted debris like twigs, pine straw, and leaves in and around your garden. Rakes come in a variety of styles and colors. Choose a rake that works best for you and your garden.
Hoes are useful in cutting down weeds and preparing your garden. Like rakes, there are a variety of hoes. A vegetable garden may require a more sturdy hoe, while flower gardens may need a more delicate hoe.
Garden hoses make watering an easier task. Watering is the most important thing you can do for your garden, so an adjustable water hose is a great choice. A watering can is useful, too. Specifically for small potted plants or hanging baskets.
There is much more to gardening than can be covered in one article, but the information above is a good place to start for beginners. Individual research is key to knowledge, and knowledge is key to a successful garden.
“A garden is not a place, it’s a journey.” Monty Don.
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