Desperate to get into gardening? Or have you moved house and now you have a garden to look after? Knowing where to begin can be the biggest step when it comes to looking after your outdoor space.
To help you get started on your green-fingered journey, here are some tips that are designed to build your confidence and grow your appreciation for your garden.
Gather your tools
What do you need to get the job done? If you want to get serious about gardening, starting with the right tools and equipment can make the process a whole lot easier.
Having a good pair of gardening gloves and a trowel is a great first step. You’ll need to clear away what’s there before you can start planting and sowing. You’ll need a rake and a hoe for the heavy-duty tasks.
Once everything’s clear and you’re ready to focus on introducing plants, take the time to work out the best position and area for them so that they can grow well. Opt for polytunnels for more controlled growing and to protect your plants, or on a smaller scale, cages can be ideal.
Plan your garden
Before you do anything, it’s worth taking the time to lay out your vision for your garden. Begin by establishing the essentials, such as whether it’s north or south-facing and the type of soil you’re working with. These are key factors that can help you establish the type of plants, trees and shrubs that are likely to flourish.
As well as working out these details, consider what you want to include and understand what will fit best in the space. For instance, you might decide that you want some simple borders around your lawn. Or you might opt to divide the space up so that you have an area for wildflowers.
Remember, if your original plan doesn’t work out, you can always try something else. There are different ways to bring plants into the space. But at this planning stage, go with what you want to try first.
Learn the basics
Watching TV shows like Gardener’s World and seeing the blooms at the Chelsea Flower Show can make starting your own gardening project a little bit daunting – especially if you’ve never gone near a garden before. But if you’re set on transforming the space and making it your own, take it one step at a time by beginning with the basics.
Learning how to plant is a skill that should not be overlooked. Different plants will need different types of care, so it’s important that you read up on the best way to plant different species and what you might need to do so. For instance, you might need a certain type of soil, compost or mulch to get the most out of your plants.
Opt for perennials
As you’re just starting out, begin with some straightforward growing projects. Once you’ve seen success, you’ll be able to build your garden from there.
In addition to being low-maintenance plants, perennials will save you time and effort when you’re trying to figure out other parts of your garden. This makes them a great option for your first attempt at gardening. They are often more resistant to fluctuations in the weather, too, so it’s likely that you won’t need to be as attentive as you might have to be with other plants.
Welcome the process
Gardening involves a lot of trial and error. Some things will work out while others might not go to plan, but it all comes down to perseverance. Keep trying different things and return to the gardening projects that you enjoy if you feel like you’re taking on too much.
By trying different things, you’ll soon find that your garden flourishes.
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