Gardening is a HUGE task. Lots of people think it’s as easy as planting a seed and watching it grow, but it’s actually a surprisingly large investment of time and money. The reward? A beautiful yard to look out at, a haven for pollinators, and the satisfaction of seeing your hard work quite literally, come to life.
There are a few rules you must follow when it comes to starting a garden, but first, before you do anything, choose the kind of garden you wish to grow. Maybe you want some flower beds to nicely line the walkway leading to your front door, or maybe you’re looking to embrace your inner farmer and start an herb or veggie garden - just remember, the kind of garden really matters. There are contractors on Bidmii that can also help you out here. If you need to prep your yard with some edging and mulching, or want someone to build you some raised beds, post it on Bidmii!
You then want to do your research. Gardening enthusiasts recommend that if you’re looking to start a flower garden, find diversity. The types of flowers you choose to grow will attract different pollinators which is something you should always consider. Bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators are important in restoring biodiversity in our constantly developing world. If you’re not keen on introducing wasps into your yard, steer clear of any flowers that may increase your chances of catching them flying around. See what’s out there and what’s available to you so you can use your home to breed harmony between wildlife and flora. Veggie gardens can be a bit more technical. You can start seeds on your own but that requires months of planning and its own extensive research. But still, if you’re planning to buy from a local nursery, make sure you map out your garden and take measurements of the space you’ll be using. Certain fruits and vegetables need to be planted several feet away from other plants. Be sure you also figure out what additional resources you’ll be needing. Gather the proper soil, fertilizer, and tools to start planting (don’t skimp on gardening gloves, you’ll thank me later). Depending on the size of your garden, you could be working on it for a full day or two. Being prepared will make your life so much easier and save you trips to and from the nursery or your nearest home improvement store.
Finally, get yourself on a schedule. Just like kids, gardens require time, attention, and nurturing in order to grow. I find it helps to write things like this out to build the habit over time. Plants all differ in their sunlight exposure requirements, watering needs, harvesting routines, etc. so creating a plan will prevent you from a “but, what did I do wrong?” moment.
Okay, actually here’s my final piece of advice, don’t take it TOO seriously. The whole reason we create gardens is to find a hobby we enjoy. It might not work out perfectly the first summer, or even the second or third, but just keep at it. As adults we lack the same learning opportunities we used to, so use gardening as a chance to expand your knowledge.
