Starting A Garden 101: Advice, Resources, & Tips
A harvest from my 2022 garden. Every year my grandfather and I plant a big garden together which is where I do all my planting!
Are you interested in gardening but unsure about where to begin or what to plant? I completely understand! Whether you have ample space or live in a small apartment, growing a garden is within your reach.
Numerous resources provide advice on the "correct" steps for planting a garden. However, in my experience, the best way to learn is to get your hands in the soil and simply start. I know it's easier said than done, so let's explore some pointers I've gathered along the way to help you get started:
Selecting a suitable space. Decide where you want your garden and how big you want it to be. If you have limited space, such as in an apartment or a small backyard, consider a container garden, a vertical garden, or explore community gardening options. If you have more space, you can choose any of the above options or go for an in-ground garden.
Remember to find an area that receives 6-8 hours of sunlight per day and is close to a water source if you have a larger garden. Don't worry if your area is shaded; you can still grow a garden with vegetables and plants that thrive in low-light conditions.
Regardless of the type of garden you choose, make it a space where you can escape from the chaos of life and enjoy some peaceful moments in the dirt. Consider placing a nearby sitting area where you can sip coffee, read a book, or simply observe pollinators. For me, the garden is one of the few places where I can truly quiet my mind and appreciate the present moment.
2. Deciding what to plant: Keep your growing zone in mind when selecting plants. Growing zones are determined by the average lowest temperatures in an area and can help you determine which plants will thrive in your climate. In places like Colorado with a shorter growing season (approximately 120 days), it's important to choose frost-hardy and early-producing plants to maximize your garden's potential. For reference, I live in zone 5b.
Here are some plants that I have found easy to grow:
Basil
Beets
Carrots
Dill
Jalapeno peppers
Onions
Potatoes
Radishes
Squash
Tomatoes
Zucchini
While starting plants from seeds is great and fun, I recommend buying plants when you're starting out. It's encouraging, easier to manage, and a good way to get acquainted with gardening.
3. Selecting your plants. Choosing plants from local nurseries, rather than big box stores, always brings me joy. Local nurseries often offer a wider variety of plants, and supporting them oftentimes means supporting local families instead of large corporations. If you're in the Colorado Springs area, my go-to nursery is Phelan Gardens. While you're getting your essential items if you come across something you'd like to try, go ahead and grab it! The only way to learn is by trying, so don't be afraid to explore new options. By the way, if you're growing tomatoes or other large plants that need support, pick up a support cage or trellis while you're there and maybe a few decorative gnomes because…why not!
4. Creating a nurturing environment for your plants. Once you bring your plants home, it's time to dig in! Consider the sunlight, space, and support requirements for your plants. Personally, when I garden, I arrange all my plants where I want them and then plant them together. This way, if I change my mind about spacing, I can move things around before actually planting them in the soil.
Here are some personal tips and lessons I've learned:
Seek out resources to enhance your gardening knowledge. I've learned from my grandfather, books, and online resources that I'll share with you in a moment.
Make your garden a space you love being in by adding color, flowers, and a cozy spot to appreciate the little things.
Experiment with different varieties of your favorite plants.
Keep a notebook or journal to record your gardening experiences, noting what works, what doesn't, inspirational ideas, and the knowledge you've gained along the way.
Don't take it too seriously and don't get discouraged if things don't go as planned. Learning from failures is part of the process!
Here are a few of my favorite resources that you should know about:
Roots and Refuge Farm (Jessica and Jeremiah Sowards) - Find them on social media @roots_and_refuge and check out their information-packed YouTube channel. Jessica also has a book that I highly recommend for every beginner gardener. It simplifies a wealth of information into easily digestible components. I refer to this book frequently! You can order it from Amazon for only $12 here: https://amzn.to/3ILztCX
My preferred place to buy seeds is Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds (@bakercreekseeds). You can request a free seed catalog from them, but beware, once you receive it, you'll want to buy everything!
Find all my essential gardening tools here: https://amzn.to/43e8nMX
Share photos of your garden or any of the items listed above you try out by tagging me on social media! If you have any questions, leave them in the comments below, feel free to contact me directly via email at averycegielski@outlook.com, or message me on Instagram (@averycegielski).
Some of the links above are affiliate links, so if you choose to make a purchase through them, I receive a contribution that helps support this blog. I appreciate your support and hope you enjoyed reading this post. Happy gardening!
“Gardening is the art that uses flowers and plants as paint, and the soil and sky as canvas.”
