How To Start Planting – Beginner’s Guide

Do you have a barren backyard? A wide front porch, or even just a desire of having a kitchen garden, and cheerful, vibrant flowers around your place? If that is the case, it is time you learn how to start gardening. If you are just starting out, it might seem overwhelming to you. Choosing the right plants, taking care of them, and waiting for the results. However, there is no rocket science behind how to plant. With the right guidance, everyone can.   This article has everything you need to learn before embarking on your gardening journey. From choosing the right variety to its maintenance we have got everything covered.

7 Basic steps to start planting at your home

1. Deciding what to plant:

What is even more important than knowing how to start gardening is knowing what to plant. There are several factors that help decide the variety that would thrive the best. This includes your climate zone, personal preference, and area for growing.   The USDA Hardiness zone and microclimate give a fair idea of the crops suitable for your area. Secondly, decide on what kind of plantation you want. Is it a vegetable garden, herb garden, or colorful blooming garden? As a beginner, you should ideally start with crops and flowers that are easier to grow, such as Tomatoes, Basil, and Zinnias. Once you get a hang of things, move over to more complex varieties such as Orchids, and Melons.

2. Choosing the right location:

Choosing the right location is one of the most important things you need to know before starting your garden.  Almost all kinds of plants require a minimum of 6 hours of sunlight every day. Thus, it is essential you choose a location that gets ample direct sunlight for proper growth. Moreover, if you plan on growing on the ground; choose a flat, even surface for better water retention. In case you do not have enough ground, you can always start planting in containers. However, make sure the container is large enough and has holes drilled on the bottom for excess water.

3. Preparing the soil:

Most people tend to skip this step, but preparing your soil beforehand is what makes all the difference. Start by clearing off the weeds, and dead plants. This ensures that your plant gets all the nutrition without having to compete with weeds.  Using your spade, dig up the upper layer of soil to loosen it up. Next, apply a layer of mulch or fertilizer and sprinkle some water to make it moist. Your soil is now ready to be planted in. Conversely, if your ground soil is not of good quality; you can always use a potting mix. A good potting soil is well-draining, with a high ratio of organic matter and nutrients.

4. Planting:

By now, you are all set to plant your first seed or seedling. This step although not complicated requires care and focus. Check the instructions on the back of the seed packet of how deep they need to be sowed. There is no fixed formula; seeds are buried according to their sizes with larger seeds being deep and smaller slightly below the surface. After sowing the seeds or transplanting the seedling, gently tamp the soil with your hands and make sure you are not pressing too hard. You also need to be mindful of the planting time before sowing. Some plants require heat and are planted after frost, while some are planted just before the last frost.

5. Watering:

As a first-time planter, you will be tempted to water your plants every now and then. After all, we have been fed this notion that the more you water, the better your plants grow. This is totally wrong! In fact, you are more prone to kill your plant with watering rather than thirst. You should water your plants consistently but not excessively. Plants need to be moist, rather than soggy which causes root rots and other diseases. A general rule of thumb states, your plant needs watering when you dig your finger two inches deep into the soil and it feels dry.

6. Fertilizer Application:

As the plant starts growing, supply it with organic matter such as mulch and fertilizers. With the right mulching, you can inhibit weed production, get good water retention, and improve the overall health of your plant. You can start using liquid fertilizer once your plants grow to a level of true leaves. This ensures that they can withstand the additional pH, helping them grow better.

7. Maintenance and harvest:

Following the above mentioned steps will definitely give you a flourishing garden with healthy greens, blooming flowers, and sweet fruits. Can there be a better package? You only need to follow these simple steps and your plants will be ready for harvest in no time.   Make sure you harvest your crops as soon as they are ready for the best yield. Do not wait and let them grow as much as they can, instead pluck them when they are half-grown. This ensures healthier, better tasting crops as well as promotes more yield. As for maintenance, your plant is capable of telling you what it needs. You only need to observe it carefully. Keep the soil clean of weeds, water adequately, and trim your garden frequently.

Conclusion

It is never too late to start gardening! No worries if it is your first time holding a spade, or sowing a seed; this comprehensive guide on how to start gardening covers all you would need. Moreover, you have a lot of flexibility in terms of choosing what you want to plant, and how you want to plant it.   Even though there are very little chances of failing, there will be a few times when you will not get results. The plant may die early on, or the seed may not germinate at all. However, you should not lose hope. Now you are pretty much clear about how to start planting therefore Try out yourself and get the experience and knowledge that even research cannot give. With consistent efforts you will be able to grow yourself a gorgeous, green garden space that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also provides you with kitchen supplies.