Easy Gardening Tips Every Beginner Should Know
New to gardening? Learn how to start a beautiful, budget-friendly garden with beginner tips and must-haves to make it simple and fun.
Let’s be honest, we’ve grown children, nine between us in fact. We’ve kept them alive, quite well in our opinion.
However, as much as we have tried in the past to be the type of women who can keep plants alive, we have come up short. That’s why we wanted to focus on today on some beginner-friendly ways to up your gardening game.
We love a pretty backyard as much as the next guy, so we are putting the fear aside and getting clear on what types of things will help us get off the sidelines and give it the old college try.
We are true beginners through and through, so if you’re in the same boat, this post will help you too. No fancy skills needed, just practical advice from our collective research along with some easy-to-use tools that will make the process less stressful and a lot more fun.
Let’s get to it!
Beginner Gardening Tips That Save Time and Money
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. For more information, see my disclosures here. As an Amazon associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Start Small to Avoid Overwhelm
The best way to start your gardening adventure is to take it one small step at a time. This way you can build up your confidence and keep everything manageable. We started with a few pots by the patio and then moved on to things like a single raised bed.
Plus, earning some small wins, like seeing that first sprout, eek, are what will keep you motivated. Once you get the hang of it, you can always add more to the list next year. Remember to keep it fun… slow and steady!
Pick Beginner-Friendly Plants
When it comes to picking what to grow, it’s important to keep it simple so you can set yourself up for success. We LOVE the type of plants that can handle a missed watering here and there juuuussst in case we forget.
We found that herbs like basil, mint, and chives are a great go-to because they’re easy, forgiving, and you get that bonus of fresh flavors for your meals. If veggies are calling your name, lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and green beans are great options too because they grow fast.
It’s fun when they start to take off because you get a little boost of excitement and it keeps you coming back. Now before you grab your plants, double check the types that do well in your area during spring. A little bit of planning will help make sure you get yourself started on the right foot for actual plant growth.
Give Your Plants the Right Home
Finding the best spot for your plants doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does help to pay attention for a few days. We started noticing where the sun hits our yards and patios throughout the day because, did you know, most herbs and veggies need about six hours of sunlight to really thrive.
If you’re working with containers, just make sure they’ve got drainage holes so water doesn’t build up. And if you’re thinking about raised beds, they’re actually super beginner-friendly because they keep things organized and make soil control easier.
Don’t Skimp on the Soil
Of course, we learned the hard way that not all dirt is created equal. If you want your plants to actually grow and not just struggle along, starting with good soil is key.
We like grabbing bags of potting mix or raised bed soil from the garden center because it’s already balanced and ready to go. That way we don’t have to worry about testing or tweaking anything.
It might feel like a splurge at first, but it really does make everything else go way smoother. Just look for soil that’s meant for whatever you’re planting, whether it’s veggies or flowers, and you are good to go. Your plants will show their appreciation by growing strong and healthy. Whew who!
Watering Without the Guesswork
Watering seems easy until you realize there’s actually a sweet spot to the madness. Too much and your plants are sitting in a puddle, too little and they dry out… whomp-whomp.
What’s worked for us is the simple finger test…
If the top inch of soil feels dry, it’s time to water. During hot days, you might be watering daily, but cooler stretches mean you can back off a little. We like to water early in the morning so the plants get a good drink before the sun heats things up.
And because life gets busy, setting a phone reminder has saved us from those oh-no-I-forgot moments more times than we can count.
Keep Track of What You Plant
Once your garden starts growing, things can get a little confusing, especially when everything starts to look alike. That’s why labeling plants is such a great idea. Basically, a lot like organizing drawers or cabinets too. It saves time and takes out the guesswork later on when you’re trying to remember which plant needs what.
Plus, it’s actually pretty fun to get the kids involved. Ours love helping with the labels and watching their favorites grow. It also makes it easier to keep track of what worked well this season so you can plan even better next time around.
Beginner Gardening Must Haves
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. For more information, see my disclosures here. As an Amazon associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Now that we got our tips for getting started out of the way, let’s talk about our favorite beginner-friendly tools to have on hand.
- Foldable Gardening Seat with Tools & Detachable Tote – This foldable gardening seat makes spending time in the garden much more comfortable. It comes with handy tools and a detachable tote bag, so you have everything you need right by your side. It is lightweight, easy to carry, and helps reduce strain on your back and knees while you work. Perfect for moms who want to make gardening more enjoyable and less of a chore.
- Seeding Square – Seed and Seedling Spacer Tool – Planting seeds just got simpler with this clever spacing tool. The Seeding Square helps you space out your seeds evenly, which leads to healthier plants and a more organized garden bed. It takes the guesswork out of planting and is especially great for beginners who want to make sure they are doing it right the first time.
- Kneeling Pad Garden Stool with Tool Pouches – This kneeling pad doubles as a sturdy garden stool and comes with convenient tool pouches. It keeps your tools within easy reach and protects your knees while you work in the soil. Foldable and lightweight, it is a great pick for anyone who wants a little extra comfort while tending to their plants.
- 9-Piece Heavy Duty Gardening Hand Tools – Every beginner needs a solid set of tools and this 9-piece set covers all the basics. With rust-proof hand tools designed for durability, you will be ready to dig, plant, and prune with ease. It is a practical and budget-friendly way to get everything you need in one go without overspending.
- 3 Pack Tomato Cage for Raised Garden Bed – Support your tomato plants or other tall growers with this set of sturdy cages. They help keep plants upright and off the ground, which means healthier growth and less risk of pests. Ideal for small raised beds or container gardens, these are an essential for anyone growing veggies this season.
- 100pcs Plant Labels, Garden Plant Markers – Keep your garden organized with this set of 100 plant labels. These waterproof markers are easy to write on and stand up to outdoor conditions, making them perfect for labeling your herbs, veggies, and flowers. Plus, they help you stay on top of your garden care without any confusion.
- Gardening Gloves for Women, Thorn Proof – Protect your hands while you garden with these thorn-proof gloves made just for women. They are comfortable, flexible, and tough enough to handle roses, thorns, and rough soil. A must-have for keeping your hands safe while still getting all the dirty work done.
Starting your first garden does not have to be stressful or expensive. With the right beginner-friendly gardening tips and a few must-have tools, you can grow your plants with confidence this spring.
It’s so awesome that they have all this cool stuff to make gardening easier, especially for all of us busy moms who want to a small hobby without a ton of extra work. Are you ready to get your hands dirty and give gardening a try? We can’t wait to hear what you think. Let us know in the comments.
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