Gardening is simpler than it looks. Plants want to grow. Give them sun, soil, and water, and you're most of the way there.
Start Small
Big gardens become big chores. Start with one small raised bed or a few pots on the patio. A 4x4 foot bed fits tomatoes, peppers, basil, and lettuce.
Find the Sun
Most vegetables need six or more hours of direct sun a day. Watch your yard for one day and see where the sun actually hits. That's your spot. For soil, fill beds or pots with bagged garden soil mixed with compost. Easy and it works.
Pick Easy Plants
- Cherry tomatoes
- Basil
- Lettuce
- Zucchini
- Green beans
- Radishes
Cherry tomatoes are the best beginner plant. They grow fast and taste way better than store-bought.
Water Right
Water deeply a few times a week, not a little every day. Stick your finger two inches into the soil — dry means water, damp means wait. Water in the morning so leaves dry out during the day.
Don't Fear Failure
Some plants will die. That's normal, even for experts. Each dead plant teaches you something. Start this weekend and see what happens.