In the grow: Beginner Garden Tips

By Jessica Mcnamara

Mar 10, 2021

Watering can, gardening tools and flowering garden plants on a bench
Firstly, hello! We are so glad you are here and looking to start your gardening journey. In this guide, we want to walk you through our top tips for getting started with outdoor plants – whether that be in a garden, on a balcony or a patio!

 

Tip #1: DON’T BE SCARED

Gardening shouldn’t be scary, and even the most experienced amongst us are still learning. Life is all about growth, right? Here at The Growers, we believe that you learn by doing, experimenting and making the odd mistake here and there. Overwatered your geranium? Torn off the roots of your Osteospermum? No big deal – you’ll know for next time! (just be sure to compost down any plants that don’t make it so they can help your plants grow in the next season!)

Getting creative in the garden is one of the most exciting parts of being outside, and how you can reap the greatest rewards. Try something new, share it with us and share it with your friends and family.

 

Tip #2: GET PREPARED  

The great thing about gardening is that if you’re prepared to get your hands dirty, there really isn’t much you need to get started.

That said, whilst we love getting our hands dirty, sometimes a good pair of gardening gloves will be preferable, and also a sturdy handheld trowel. Get prepared by getting these out of the shed or cupboard before you get started, so you can get started and not have to think about the logistics.

Grab any garden containers or hanging baskets you want to use, garden tools and your compost, and away you go!

A watering can or hosepipe with a sprinkler on is also handy to have filled up and ready to go, however if you don’t have one, don’t sweat – you can use a jug. Just make sure to water plants around the compost and not onto the leaves, little and often, so you don’t overwater.

 

Tip #3: HAVE A PLAN (ISH)

Plans are great, and the chances are you have a rough plan in your head when you buy your plants.

Before you plant directly into your garden beds, borders, patio containers and hanging baskets, start off small by doing a soil test and laying out your plants (with their pots still on) on top of the soil in roughly the position you want to plant them. Keep playing around until you are happy with the layout and then you can start digging and planting them in.

That said, don’t be afraid to deviate from your plan! Sometimes the best gardens are those that are spontaneous and when you get things laid out, you might have a wave of inspiration. Just go with it!

You can always dig the garden soil up and go again if you don’t like it.

 

Tip #4: GROW IT ALONE OR TOGETHER

Gardening is for everyone – whether you do it with your family, your friends or alone.

Don’t be put off starting because you don’t have someone to do it with- gardening is one of our favourite pastimes to do alone. There is nothing better than that moment of tranquillity you get sat outside on your own, surrounded by nature, in the knowledge you are creating something beautiful.

Similarly, gardening is a great activity to do together with friends or family. Get your kids excited by giving them a container to plant themselves (bonus top tip: don’t let them wear white!) or spend an afternoon with friends on your garden patio and plant away with a drink.

Gardening is a great excuse to get outside, take in the fresh air and take some time out; whether that’s on your own or with people.

Tip #5: MIX IT UP

Gone are the days of garden designs having to be structured and follow a particular pattern. Want to plant strawberries next to your Savannah Geraniums? Go for it! Cucumbers next to your Coleus? Even better! Fruit and Vegetables are great mixed into your patio containers and garden beds that have bedding in them. Yes, they grow fruit and veg, which is of course great, but they also look great too as plants so mix it up a bit and give vegetable gardening a go.

Food and beautiful plants – what could be better?!

Starting a vegetable garden couldn't be easier, all you need is some organic matter, vegetables and herb. Grab some seed packets and get growing vegetables today! Growing tomatoes is always a great one to start with for beginners.

We hope that you now feel ready and raring to go and get started growing; to help you on your way, take a look at our easy to grow recommendations for beginners here at our online garden centre!

 

If you have any questions, take a look at our blogs or drop us a note at hello@wearethegrowers.co.uk

Happy Planting!