For many people, a few things are as rewarding as nurturing a thing till it grows into something beautiful. Gardening doesn’t stop at being a great and fulfilling hobby, and it can also do wonders for a person’s health since they get to eat fresh and healthy foods.

While it is not rocket science, starting a garden is not as easy as throwing a few seeds into the ground and expecting them to germinate. It requires research, tact, precision, dedication, and a few gardening tools purchased from a landscaping store in Loveland. This article will provide helpful tips for starting a garden.

Essential Tips for Growing a Garden as a Beginner

Conduct Research

Research is crucial at the initial stage. It can be done by checking the international plant hardiness zone map or the one managed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) if they are in the United States. A beginner may need to find out their climatic zone and the plants that thrive in it as an early step in gardening.

Decide on a Type of Garden

After careful research, it is time for the big question—what kind of garden? Someone interested in growing a garden may already have a type in mind, which is excellent. Other factors that could influence the decision are the research results, the available space, and the season of the year. All the boxes don’t have to be ticked, but considering these factors would increase the success rate of the plants.

Choose the Perfect Area Based on Sunlight Exposure

To choose a good area, the person may need to monitor the yard to identify the spot that receives direct sunlight for at least six hours daily (full sun). All plants need sunlight to thrive, but they don’t all require the same amount. It all depends on what a person decides to plant. Another important thing a good location should have is a structure that provides cover from the wind.

Carry Out Soil Testing

Soil testing is vital to know a soil’s capabilities. The beginner gardener can arrange for soil testing through a region’s local cooperative office. To get the test done, they will need to send soil samples from different parts of the garden to the cooperative and wait about two weeks before the results are out. Such a person may need to buy soil from a landscaping supply in Fort Collins or boost their soil’s nutrients by adding organic matter.

Purchase Gardening Tools

After deciding on plant types and a location, the next thing is to get to work; tools are needed for this. A beginner gardener can start with the essential tools, including gloves and a shovel. The person will need to buy gloves to keep their hands safe from things like thorns, pruners to cut off rebelling parts of a plant, and a garden fork to move around soil and remove weeds.

Prepare the Area

It is time to make use of those tools. The preparation should start with removing weeds and sod. A person who is not in a rush can trim the weed and cover it with cardboard for months; this process gets rid of the weed by making compost out of it. Someone who doesn’t have that time to spare can uproot the weed from the soil and finish it off using a flame gun. Tilling is an option, but not the best, since it can negatively affect the soil.

Construct Raised Garden Beds

Using raised garden beds which involves growing plants on an elevated level till they are ready to be moved to other locations, has several benefits. These benefits include keeping pests and weeds from the soil, promoting aeration, and providing good drainage. The beds can be built using wood or concrete blocks.

Begin Planting

After considering several factors and deciding on a plant, whether annuals, perennials, or both, it is time to begin landscaping in Loveland. A person can start planting using seeds or young plants. Seeds are more affordable but may require a lot of time, care, and patience; young plants are the better option for beginners.

Water Correctly

Plants are not very demanding in their early days regarding hydration. How often you need to water your plants depend on the weather condition and the soil; if a person doesn’t get the watering right, it could cause root rot. To ensure they are not doing too much, they can dip their fingers a few inches into the soil to check if it is moist. It is better to water slowly and in the morning for good results.

Feed Your Plants

Some people bank on plants’ ability to feed themselves through photosynthesis and ignore the responsibility of feeding their plants. Plants make their food by photosynthesizing, but it is not enough for them to be healthy and strong. They need the soil to have these essential nutrients to thrive: nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, sulfur, and calcium.

Keep the Weeds Out with Mulch

A beginner should learn to use mulch very well because it does an excellent job of keeping the weeds out and locking in moisture. It also protects the roots of a plant and makes nutrients more available. Depending on what a person decides to plant, they can choose which is better, organic such as leaves and cardboard, or inorganics, like stones and rocks. A person can quickly get these materials from a landscape supply in Loveland.

Keep the Garden in Good Shape

Good job putting everything in place and starting the gardening journey, but it doesn’t end there. A person must maintain their garden to keep it in tip-top shape. They can do this by never allowing weeds to gain ground, watering regularly, and keeping plants in good condition by trimming and cutting. There are many things a person will have to learn as they spend more time gardening. They have to be active in keeping their plants alive and healthy.

Conclusion

Starting a garden is relatively easy, but following these tips will help a beginner grow a strong and healthy garden.