1. Pick a garden type. – Flowers (do you want annuals or perennials), herbs, vegetables? Don’t just pick something because it looks pretty when you are a beginner; pick something a bit easier to grow. Radishes and green beans are easier vegetables to grow. They do well in no-so-great soil.

2. Pick a place. – Is it sunny or does the space get some shade throughout the day? Certain plants and vegetables will need lots of sun others do well in some shade. Pick wisely.

3.Clear the soil. – Till the soil either by hand or with a roto tiller (you can rent one from a hardware store) to get the ground ready for planting

4. Check out the soil conditions. – Get a test from a garden center and see what nutrients are missing from your garden so you will know what type of fertilizer to add.

5. Water. – Not too much, Not too little. It depends on the soil and the humidity, and experts say to water in the morning. Watering done in the afternoon hours will often cause the water to evaporate before the plants have a chance to get what they require. Watering in the evening can cause mold growth.

6. Mulch. – This helps keep weeds minimal and holds water in. You can use dead grass clippings or leaves or buy bark chips from the garden center or hardware store.

7. Weeds. – It’s easier to weed a few minutes a day or a few days a week when the weeds are small and easier to remove.

8. Fertilizer. – Add fertilizer at key times during the growth stages such as before planting and once they are a few inches tall or when they first start to fruit or flower.

9. Be patient and start small. – Don’t do something too big that you can’t keep up with. Start smaller and grow larger next year. And don’t be afraid to ask for advice and help.

by Amy Brown – February 19, 2014

 

Resources:
simplehomemade.net
www.bhg.com/gardening/
www.examiner.com/article/28-mistakes-that-new-gardeners-make
motherearthnews.com
Photo Source: www.sxc.hu