Gardening for Beginners: A Complete Guide

Choosing the Right Location

Choosing the right location is the first and most important step. Consider factors such as sunlight, soil moisture, and drainage. Most plants need at least 6 hours of sunlight per day, but some prefer shade. The soil should be loose, fertile, and well-drained to prevent waterlogging, which can harm plant roots. If your soil is too heavy, you can improve it by adding organic matter or compost.

Preparing the Soil and Tools

Before you start planting, you need to prepare the soil thoroughly. Dig the soil about 30cm deep, remove weeds and stones. Then, mix the soil with organic fertilizer, well-rotted cow manure, or compost to add nutrients to the soil. As for tools, you’ll need: a shovel, a hoe, a rake, a watering can, gloves, and other tools depending on the type of plant you’re growing.

Choosing Plants to Grow

The choice of plants depends on your preferences, space, and weather conditions. If you are a beginner, choose easy-to-grow and care for plants such as morning glory, kale, gourds, cucumbers… You can also consult with experienced people or find information on the internet.

Planting Techniques

After preparing the soil and choosing the right plants, you start planting. Follow the instructions on the seed or seedling packaging. Water thoroughly after planting and maintain soil moisture. Do not overwater, which will waterlog the roots.

Plant Care

Plant care is an essential part of plant growth. You need to regularly check the plants, water, fertilize, weed, and control pests and diseases. Fertilizing should be done correctly and in the right dosage to avoid harming the plants. Using organic fertilizers is the best choice to protect the environment and health.

Harvesting

When the plants are fully grown and ready for harvest, you need to harvest at the right time to ensure product quality. For example, kale should be harvested when the leaves are young, soft, and fresh. Gourds and cucumbers should be harvested when the fruit is young, firm, and not yet ripe.

Tips:

Keep a record of the planting and care process to learn from your experiences. Join gardening forums and groups to learn from others.