Hey everyone! I'm diving into gardening for the first time and feeling a mix of excitement and overwhelm. I'm located in zone 8a, and I've started some seeds indoors (like basil, marigolds, tomatoes, lettuce, and carnival peppers). I think I might've jumped the gun on a few of them, so I'm looking for any advice or tips from seasoned gardeners on how to navigate this journey. I've also set up a raised bed in my backyard that's 8'x4' made from cinderblocks. What are some things you wish you knew when you first started?
3 Answers
Don't sweat it too much if your plants don't thrive right away. Think of it as part of the learning curve! My tip is to start small; grow a few things you love and get the hang of those first before expanding your garden. Everyone makes mistakes, even seasoned gardeners, so be patient with yourself.
Definitely embrace trial and error! I recommend keeping a garden notebook—track what you plant, when you plant it, and any notes about success or failures. It really helps when planning for the next season. Plus, start small! Managing a large garden can get overwhelming quickly, particularly when you juggle life’s other responsibilities.
Check out YouTube for gardening tips! Channels like 'The Rusted Garden' have been super helpful for me. Also, remember that some plants, like peppers, are tricky to grow from seeds. Consider getting seedlings from a nursery to start. It’ll make your first year much easier!