Tips For Getting Into Gardening

 The Best Way to Get into Gardening: Simply Start Planting

Gardening can seem like a daunting hobby at first glance—there's soil to manage, plants to research, and tools to acquire. However, if you're interested in trying it out, the best approach is often the simplest: just start planting. Whether you have a green thumb or you're just beginning, the beauty of gardening lies in the journey, not the destination.

In this blog post, we'll explore why starting with the basics—planting anything that excites you—can be the most fulfilling way to begin your gardening adventure.

Why Start Planting?

For many beginners, the thought of gardening can feel overwhelming. You might wonder what the "right" plants to grow are, what tools you need, or if you're even capable of growing something successfully. The truth is, there's no perfect way to start gardening—there's just starting. And the best way to start is to simply plant something that speaks to you, whether it's a vibrant flower, a fragrant herb, or a vegetable you enjoy eating.

Here’s why this approach is so effective:

1. Plant What Interests You

Gardening should be a joy, not a chore. The more you enjoy the plants you choose to grow, the more motivated you’ll be to care for them. Start by planting something that excites you. Perhaps you’ve always loved the scent of lavender or the bright color of sunflowers. Maybe you’ve admired your friend’s rose garden or have always wanted to grow your own herbs to use in cooking. Whatever it is, plant something that sparks your interest.

By following your curiosity, you'll find that gardening becomes a more personal and enjoyable experience. It’s not about picking the "best" plant—it's about picking the plant that brings you the most joy.

2. Plant What You Love to Eat

For many gardeners, growing their own food is one of the most rewarding aspects of the hobby. If you’re passionate about cooking, you might enjoy planting herbs like basil, rosemary, or thyme. If you're a fan of fresh vegetables, try starting with easy-to-grow options like tomatoes, lettuce, or peppers.

Growing your own food connects you directly with what you eat, and it can make meal preparation feel even more special. The act of harvesting a fresh tomato or sprig of basil is incredibly satisfying and can deepen your appreciation for the food you consume. Plus, it's a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and know exactly where your food comes from.

3. Plant for Someone Else

Gardening can also be an incredibly thoughtful way to connect with others. Maybe you want to grow flowers that a loved one adores, or perhaps you're thinking about giving a friend a beautiful bouquet of homegrown flowers. A garden becomes a personal gift that you can share, and the process of nurturing a plant for someone else can bring immense joy.

Planting for someone else helps to cultivate a deeper sense of purpose in your gardening journey. It transforms gardening from an individual pursuit to a gesture of kindness, creating emotional value along with physical beauty.

4. Understand That Plants Will Die—And That's Okay

One of the most important lessons you’ll learn as a new gardener is that not every plant will survive. And that’s okay! It's a natural part of the learning process. Plants may die due to various reasons—weather changes, pests, overwatering, or even just the wrong plant for the environment. The key here is not to get discouraged but rather to view each plant’s demise as an opportunity to learn and grow.

When a plant doesn't make it, take the time to reflect. What could you have done differently? Did the plant get too much sunlight? Was it overwatered? Did you choose a plant that isn't suited to your climate? Over time, you will begin to recognize patterns and learn more about what works and what doesn't.

Failure isn't something to fear—it’s an essential part of becoming a better gardener. As you continue to plant, you'll develop a deeper understanding of the plants you work with and become more confident in your gardening skills.

Over Time, Your Space Will Evolve

As you continue planting and learning from your experiences, your space will naturally evolve. You’ll begin to notice what plants thrive and what doesn’t, which plants add the most joy to your garden, and which you prefer to care for. You'll also find that your tastes and preferences may shift over time. Perhaps you’ll become fond of growing more native plants or discover a passion for succulents or tropical plants.

Gardening isn’t something that requires an immediate sense of perfection. Instead, it’s a long-term endeavor that unfolds naturally. Your garden space will reflect your journey as a gardener, and as you adapt and experiment, it will become an expression of your unique tastes and preferences.

1. Observe and Adjust

One of the most beautiful things about gardening is its ability to teach patience and observation. Each season, observe how your garden changes—what blooms, what fades, and what grows most successfully. Adjust your care routine based on these observations. You might choose to add more of the plants that are thriving or experiment with new ones that you haven’t yet tried. This trial-and-error process is a key part of the gardening journey.

2. Gardening Becomes an Artform

As you learn more about your plants and their needs, you’ll start to think of your garden as more of a living artwork. You’ll begin to curate the space, selecting plants that complement one another in color, texture, and size. You might even start designing your garden around particular themes or color schemes. This is where gardening becomes less about maintenance and more about creativity, and you’ll find that your outdoor space becomes a source of constant inspiration.

The Joy of Gardening Is in the Journey

Gardening isn’t about perfection—it’s about the joy of creating and nurturing life. By simply starting with planting something that excites you, whether it’s a plant that brings back fond memories, a favorite food, or a gift for someone you care about, you’ll find that the world of gardening opens up in beautiful ways.

Over time, you’ll discover what works for you and what doesn’t. And when you’re ready, you can start to refine your space and experiment with new plants, creating a personal garden that evolves with you. Remember that every plant that thrives or fades is an opportunity to learn, and that’s the true magic of gardening.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab a seed, find a pot or patch of soil, and start planting. Your gardening adventure is waiting to begin!