Happy Sunday! This post was meant to go up on Friday, but I was having a hard time with Mother’s Day approaching. So, in that moment, instead of writing about how I’ve started gardening, I went outside and actually gardened instead! My mind just cleared itself. I was able to unplug, and it felt so cathartic to be getting my hands dirty in the fresh air and creating something beautiful! So far, I am LOVING it and it sparks more joy than I can put into words. It might be right up there with needlepointing. Since I am just starting out, I thought I would spare you the research and share what I got to get set up for beginner gardening, and what I have planted at this point.
This is my first solo gardening endeavor, and I’m for sure a beginner, but I have spent a lot of time helping my mom with her gardens and patios that are always an exquisite labor of love. Both of my parents were landscape architects, so I am lucky to know the basics from my mom and dad, but even with that, I am still a novice! I live in an apartment, and we are quarantining at my in-laws’, where I have been able to start my adventures in gardening. I am focusing on flowers (I am not a huge plant person, we’ll see if that changes), and being in the beginner stages, I have been doing a lot of potting which I really enjoy!
Thus far, I planted a hydrangea bush in a large ceramic planter, because they are relatively manageable and so pretty. In mini planters, I potted yellow and pink Conga Calibrachoa, because they do well in compact spaces and are easy to grow. In terms of seed planting, I planted some shasta dasies and moonflowers! Going into this, I knew that flowers need about 5-7 hours of sunlight and most need to be watered daily. But, to help me, I got the Beginner’s Guide to Gardening, so I don’t screw this up completely lol. I am certain there will be some fun mess ups and learning experiences along the way!
Aside from the beginner friendly flowers, here are the tools and things I got to get started:
- Miracle-Gro Potting mix: potting soil or mix is just as it sounds, soil for pots and planters. There are various soils and mixes depending on the forum you are using to grow your flowers. Since I am a beginner, I got moisture control potting mix, which helps regulate the water so your plants stay healthy.
- Planters: It is important to get planters and not vases if you are potting, planters have a hole in the bottom where excess moisture can exit, and allows enough breathing room for the roots. Planters are also great for beginners becuase you can move your plants around to get the right sunlight.
- Garden Tools: A trowel (the little shovel), shears (little clippers) and a weeder are what I am using to get started. Most places will advise these three are the basics.
- Watering Can: If you have a hose, this isn’t entirely necessary. But, it allows you to have a controlled source of water while sprinkling your plants, to not oversaturate them, which can at times be just as harmful as not watering them.
- Gloves and muck shoes: Gloves are a must! With the shears, you’ll want to protect your hands and plants can be hard to handle. I grew up on a farm wearing muck books, and they are perfect if you are near dirt and water.
Miracle-Gro also has a great guide on gardening for beginners!
Warms my heart that you are beginning to cultivate your green thumb. I can now pass on my plethora of gardening books to you knowing that they will be put to good use. I look forward to your personal journey with gardening in the many forms Mother Nature has to offer.