Begin Gardening in 2024: 10 Golden Ideas

Are you feeling overwhelmed at the thought of starting a garden in 2024? Don't worry! Just as every plant begins from a tiny seed, so does your garden.

According to gardening coach Janet Kilburn Phillips, there are no gardening mistakes, only experiments.

It All Starts with Good Soil
Whether using containers or an in-ground garden, quality soil is key to healthy plants. Investing in fresh soil or soil amendments initially creates a fertile environment, promoting robust growth, strong root development, and essential nutrients for your plants.
Plant Perpetual Vegetables Opt for vegetables that offer multiple harvests. Fast-growing and easy-to-manage options like peas, beans, and summer squash continuously produce, providing ongoing returns and keeping your spirits high.
Expand Planting Spaces Plan your plant sizes in advance to avoid overshadowing issues. Ensure enough space for seedlings to stretch and grow. Don't hesitate to thin them out if they sprout too close together – it's challenging but worthwhile.
Year-Round Planting Keep your garden interesting throughout the year. Structure it with evergreen shrubs and trees or those with autumn-colored leaves, winter berries, or spring blossoms. Use bulbs for winter blooms and flowers like daffodils, tulips, and daphne for a vibrant spring.
Get Creative with Containers Don't underestimate container gardening! Whether your soil isn't up to standard or you have limited space, kick-start your gardening journey by planting flowers, bulbs, fruits, and veggies in containers. Garden beds would be a good choice.
Thrifty Seed and Cuttings Approach Save money and experience the satisfaction of watching your carefully nurtured plants grow by propagating from seeds, cuttings, or divisions. Easily grow flowers like sweet peas, cosmos, marigolds, zinnias, and sunflowers from seeds.
Discover the Magic of Mulch Mulch works wonders – use it! A few layers of newspaper, a bit of water, and a healthy dose of mulch can eradicate weeds and keep them at bay for most of the year. It's also a fantastic way to reduce watering needs.
Embrace the Dark Side Understand the light requirements of your plants. Celebrate the mix of sunny and shady areas in your garden, exploring the beauty of shade-tolerant plants. From ferns to heucheras and brunnera, there's a whole world of wonderful shade-loving plants.
Don't Fear the Pruning Shears Pruning is vital for many plants' health, appearance, and longevity. Remove old, dead, or potentially diseased stems, promote new growth and flowering, and maintain the desired shape. It might seem counterintuitive, but your plants will thank you.
Hydrangeas: The True Garden Heroes Hydrangeas are your go-to plants for boosting curb appeal and adding seasonal charm to your landscape. With a variety of cost-effective options that grow rapidly and create a unique impact, there's a hydrangea for every gardener.