Starting Out in Gardening: Where Should I Begin?

Consider checking your hardiness zone to see what plants thrive in your area. It's also good to pick what you want to grow since some plants dislike being moved. For instance, if you’re thinking about tomatoes, you'll want to start them early as they take some time to grow. Look into companion planting too; it can be beneficial for keeping pests away. And don’t forget! If you grow from seeds, you need to harden them off before planting outside to prevent shock. Start toughening them up about two weeks before you move them outdoors! Happy gardening!

First things first, set a budget, although let’s be honest—we rarely stick to it, right? ? But seriously, have fun with it! Gardening is such a rewarding hobby!

Starting small is a great approach! Try using boxes or planters your first year to see how green your thumb really is. I’d recommend starting with herbs, strawberries, or quick-growing salad greens (those can keep on giving!). Be sure to check out when to plant these, whether starting them indoors or outdoors, by referencing an online almanac. This will help you get everything planted at the right time!

You should definitely check your local dollar stores for packs of heirloom seeds—they often have them for just 31 cents! Also, keep an eye out for affordable pots and dirt; your local hardware store has smaller bags, but I’d skip the dollar store soil if I were you. For flowers, easy options like Alyssum, Zinnia, and Marigold are great to start with from seeds. For herbs, though, they can be a bit tricky, so you might want to buy starts from a garden center instead. Rosemary, oregano, or chives could be perfect choices!