Whether you’ve recently started your homesteading journey or simply wish to make your outside spaces look nicer doesn’t matter. As a novice gardener, though, putting the proper preparations in place is vital. Otherwise, failure will be the most likely outcome.
The truth is that your first bloom is unlikely to be the best of your life. However, success in year one will put you on a far smoother path for years to come. The six steps below should point you in the right direction if you are a novice gardener.
#1. Know The Best Plants For Your Activities
When making flower choices as a novice gardener on your gardening journey, you should select easy-to-grow plants. However, it’s equally important to take other factors into account.
The climate in your geographic location is likely to have an influence. Similarly, the season that you plan to plant your flowers can limit your search.
#2. Appreciate The Importance Of Soil
As a novice gardener, you may think that growing plants is as simple as throwing a seed in the ground and watering it. In truth, choosing the right mulch and topsoil materials is equally important.
The right soils will create a far better environment for plant growth. Aside from the benefits gained in year one, it can assist your gardening efforts for years to come.
#3. Learn To Sow
While having a great environment for your plants to grow is one thing, you still need to use the right technique. Learning the basics of how to sow seeds will ensure that your plants have a far better chance of success as a novice gardener. Not least because they will have enough room to actively mature until they can surface and bloom.
#4. Pay Attention To The Lawn
All aspects of your garden are essentially connected. So, essential lawn care features could indirectly enhance your hopes of a successful bloom. Effective weed management, for example, will protect your new plants.
Even if you grow plants in raised beds, good lawn care encourages you to adopt a winning mindset that will spread to all gardening aspects.
#5. Feed & Maintain Your Plants
You already know that plants need feeding and watering. Doing it well can often be the determining factor as to whether they survive. As a rule of thumb, feeding the plants once per fortnight with fertilizer is advised.
Watering should occur weekly by soaking the roots rather than the leaves. With the right soil, your plants will suck up the water as required.
#6. Be Aware Of Pests
Insects and critters will enter your garden. While most are harmless – or will be taken care of by predators – you should keep an eye on this.
If you notice an infestation, it will be necessary to take action by removing or redirecting them. Otherwise, any leaves or petals will be eaten before they have even had a chance to bloom.
Finally: Start Small
Lastly, jumping in straight at the deep end may be tempting. After all, planting more means you have a better chance of seeing some success. In reality, starting small as a novice gardener allows you to follow the above steps with greater control. Right now, the ratio of success is more important than the volume.