Best gardening tips for beginners, according to the pros

Have you decided to try your hand at gardening but need help figuring out where to start? The great thing about gardening is you can learn as you grow, but there are some tips that can make the process much easier and increase the survival rate of your plants and flowers.

Make friends with fellow gardening experts

"As with any new hobby, gardening can be intimidating for beginners. But, like anything new, jumping in headfirst is usually the best way to get started," said Nathan Heinrich, horticulturist and botanical designer.

Heinrich said social media is the best place to find gardening professionals and experts who will give new gardeners great (and free!) tips to get started.

Grab gardening tools and gear

Before you start your gardening project, you need to get the proper gardening tools and gear. Having the right tools for the job will make gardening much easier and protect you from thistles, thorns, and other hazards.

"Gardening tools like trowels, pruners, and watering cans are essential," said Jane Dobbs expert gardener and gardening team lead at Allan's Gardeners. "And don't forget to wear gloves and knee pads when gardening."

Pick the right spot

If you have lots of healthy yard space to choose from, pick a garden spot based on the plants and flowers you want to grow. If your options are more limited, pick the plants and flowers based on the garden plot you have available.

Dobbs advised, "For newbie gardeners, succulents, herbs, and perennials are great choices. The plants don't mind a little neglect and are easy to look after."

Choose plants that are easy to grow

Melvin Cubian, certified botanist and gardening expert for the PlantIn app, said while gardening for beginners can be challenging, you can increase your chance of success by opting for simple plants whose cultivation methods are not laborious or time-consuming.

"It is best to choose salad greens such as lettuce, kale, chard, spinach, and other leaf vegetables," he said. "Herbs like chives, sweet basil, and mint are also non-demanding crops."

Get the soil right

Dobbs said that good soil makes a great garden. Having a basic understanding of the soil type makes planting easier.

"When choosing soil, think about your plants' specific needs, like drainage and pH. Testing your soil's pH and nutrients will help you create the perfect growing environment. Get soil samples from different parts of your garden. pH testers can tell you your soil's pH."

Learn how to sow seeds

"It's all about getting the right planting depth. It's best to plant small seeds near the surface of the soil, like lettuce or carrots. You will want to plant them about 1 to 2 cm deep," Dobbs said.

"It's OK to plant medium seeds deeper, like beans or peas. You can put them about 2.5cm deep. The seeds of larger plants, like squash and sunflowers, need to be planted deeper. You'll need to sow these seeds at 5 cm."

Use proper watering techniques and schedules

"Good watering techniques, like watering at the base of plants, can prevent foliage diseases. The frequency of watering depends on the plant, the soil moisture level, and the weather. Don't soak the soil, just keep it moist," Dobbs advises.

Start with a simple garden and grow from there

One of the best tips for beginner gardeners is to start with a simple garden or flower bed. "In the beginning, the key is to chalk up some wins by keeping it simple. This will keep you from becoming discouraged and feeling like you aren't blessed by the myth of a 'green thumb.' Anyone can become a great gardener, just be patient, and don't get discouraged by plants that don't thrive on your first try," Heinrich encourages.