Big space, small space or not much at all, we’re here to help. Let’s dig in and get started!
How to Get Started with Gardening
Starting a garden at home for the first time begins with learning more about your specific region and growing zone.
Importance of Regional Gardening ZonesUSDA Planting Zone MapHardiness Zone Converter
Other factors to consider include your available garden space (it helps to start small and expand as your knowledge and confidence grows), what types of plants you’d like to grow, your current soil conditions, your light conditions and, of course, some basic garden terminology helps.
Beginner Gardening Tools and Supplies
Every gardener needs tools for the trade, but start with the basics. You may already have what you need to get started, and you can always add more to the tool shed as your garden grows.
Beginner Gardener ToolsMust Have Gardening ToolsWhat Shovel Do You Need for GardeningGarden Trowel InformationDifferent Garden HoesBest Gloves for GardeningDo I Need a Bulb PlanterHand Pruners for GardeningKeeping a Garden JournalContainer Gardening SuppliesChoosing Containers for Gardening
Understanding Common Gardening Terms
While we strive to provide easy-to-understand info, we realize that not everyone new to gardening knows what certain gardening terms mean. Beginner gardening tips aren’t always helpful if you’re confused about such terms.
Plant Care AbbreviationsNursery Plant Pot SizesSeed Packet InformationWhat is an Annual PlantTender Perennial PlantsWhat is a PerennialWhat Does Biennial MeanWhat is Full SunAre Part Sun Part Shade the SameWhat is Partial ShadeExactly What is Full ShadePinching Back PlantsWhat is DeadheadingWhat is Old Wood and New Wood in PruningWhat Does “Well Established” MeanWhat is an Organic Garden
Soil for Gardens
What Soil is Made of and How to Amend SoilWhat is Well Draining SoilWhat is Garden SoilSoil for Outdoor ContainersSoilless Growing MediumsTesting Garden SoilTaking a Soil Texture Jar TestGarden Soil Preparation: Improving Garden SoilWhat is Soil TemperatureDetermining if Soil is FrozenWhat Does Well Drained Soil MeanChecking Soil DrainageTilling Garden SoilHow to Till Soil by Hand (Double Digging)What is Soil pHFixing Acidic SoilFixing Alkaline Soil
Fertilizing the Garden
NPK: What Do Numbers on Fertilizer MeanBalanced Fertilizer InformationWhat is Slow Release FertilizerWhat are Organic FertilizersWhen to Fertilize PlantsFeeding Potted Garden PlantsBenefits of Composted ManureHow to Start Compost for GardensWhat is Brown and Green Material for CompostOrganic Material for Gardens
Plant Propagation
What is Plant PropagationDifferent Types of BulbsBest Time to Start SeedsSeed Germination RequirementsHow to Soak Seeds Before PlantingWhat is Seed StratificationCaring for Seedlings After GerminationHow Many Seeds Should I Plant Per HoleWhen and How to Transplant SeedlingsHow to Harden Off SeedlingsHow to Start Plants from CuttingsWhat is a Root BallWhat is a Plant PupWhat is RootstockWhat is a ScionHow to Divide Plants
Gardening for Beginners – the Basics
Great Reasons to Start GardeningSimple Gardening Ideas for BeginnersWhat Do Healthy Roots Look LikeBasic Tips for Indoor Houseplant CareWhat is a Succulent PlantWindowsill Gardening for BeginnersStarting an Herb GardenVegetable Gardening Tips for Beginners – we also have a Beginner’s Guide for this tooHow to Determine Last Frost DateHow to Grow Vegetable with SeedsHow and When to Start Herb SeedsHow to Thin Seedling PlantsHow to Build Raised Vegetable BedsGrowing Vegetables in ContainersHow to Plant a Bare Root PlantHow to Start a Flower GardenHow to Build a Flower BedHow Deep to Plant BulbsWhat Direction to Plant BulbsXeriscape Gardening for Beginners
Mulching the Garden
How To Choose Garden MulchApplying Garden MulchOrganic Garden MulchWhat is Inorganic Mulch
Watering the Garden
Watering New Plants: What Does it Mean to Water WellGuide to Watering FlowersHow and When to Water the GardenWatering Vegetable GardensHeat Wave Watering GuideContainer Plant Watering
Issues in the Garden
What is Organic HerbicideHomemade Soap SprayWhat is Neem Oil
Getting started with gardening shouldn’t be a frustrating endeavor. Remember to start small and work your way up. Begin with a few potted veggies, for instance, or plant some flowers. And don’t forget the old saying, “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.” Even the most experienced gardeners have faced challenges and loss at some point (many of us still do). In the end, your persistence will be rewarded with beautiful flowering plants and tasty produce.
