Gardening guides online and in magazines, and even in the television shows we all know and love, can sometimes seem a little bit… disconnected. Sure, they can be very informative, but all of the amazing creative ideas and genuine insight can feel a bit much for someone who just wants to begin gardening for the first time. Getting out into nature and starting a vegetable patch, crafting a garden arch, or simply keeping good maintenance is not ‘basic,’ it’s actually a great place for a newcomer to start.
But where should we go for that kind of guidance? Never fear, because there are a few worthwhile goals to focus on should you wish to. This can help format your intentions over the summer so that everything comes to fruition relatively quickly, and you can more easily plan your project around other responsibilities.
On top of this, advice should be applicable to everyone, even those who might be a little older or may not even have a garden of their own. In this post, we’ll discuss how a newcomer should get involved in gardening in the best possible light.
Attend A Gardening Class!
Heading to a gardening workshop to learn all of the basic and intermediate techniques you may need can be truly eye-opening and gives you space to learn in a friendly environment and adopt tips that can help you throughout your entire gardening pastime.
A gardening class will also help you make a few friends, perhaps even from your local area, that you can keep in touch with and discuss the state of your gardens as time goes by. When we make gardening into a social event, or at least something we share, we tend to become motivated to put even more work into the effort, and that in itself is a wonderful task.
Don’t be afraid of asking silly or beginner questions, it’s best to ask now than to be confused for a great deal of time in the future! After all, there are no stupid questions when it comes to learning how to take care of something more appropriately, even if that is how to better control and curate our small slice of mother nature.
Rent Allotment Space
Those without gardens, or perhaps just those who wish to spend more time among others, can find renting an allotment to be tremendously therapeutic and a good way to meet people. Meeting those from your local community as they grow vegetables, curate nice plants, and simply spend time in nature is a great means of getting started.
You’d also be surprised just how many people partake in such an activity. A lovely allotment attracts people from all walks of life from all age groups, which may surprise you. Usually, those next to your particular lot will be more than happy to discuss a strategy with you and give you experienced advice should you ask for it.
Consider One Streamlined Project
It’s much easier to focus on one project at a time than to perfect your entire garden at once. Don’t be afraid to keep it simple your first time over. For instance, perhaps this year you hope to install a nice greenhouse, toil some soil, and grow tomatoes as well as some broad beans.
That can be simple enough, and will help you pot these plants, transfer them where available, and learn to take care of the vines that grow them. This can also teach you about pulling weeds and feeding the soil properly. In the long run, a task like this can help you see a project through to completion, which gives you confidence to try the next one or even juggle a few.
Head To Your Gardening Centre
Those interested in gardening will often find great joy in heading to their local gardening centre, which tend to be curated environments someone can head to and enjoy themselves. Example gardens, seed packets, gardening tools, and sometimes even showcases such as outdoor fish like koi, a pet section, and furnishings sections such as for chairs and tables can add a great deal of inspiration regarding how to develop your garden going forward.
In addition to that, the staff will be sure to help you out with some worthwhile advice should you need it. If the centre has a cafe you can enjoy a spot of lunch with, then perhaps you can even make a modest day of it!
With this advice, you’re certain to get involved in gardening in your own way, at your own pace, and with your own goals properly defined.
