From learning how to keep tabs on certain plants, to creating a mood board or scrapbook using the photo albums and journals, there are a number of tips available to beginner gardeners!
Here we’ve listed ten of our favourites…
1. Using plant tags
Adding plant tags to young plants and more mature variants is a great idea, as it will ensure these plants get the correct care. You can make these tags as detailed or as simple as possible, by adding information such as the plant’s expected height, where it was purchased (a great thing to know if you wish to buy more of the same species in the future / have any questions about your specific plant), the light required, when to water it and more.
You can even add an image to the tag so that you have an insight into what it should look like in certain seasons or when fully grown. Just remember to make these tags weather-proof, as it’s likely they’ll be subject to wind, rain, hail, and sunshine!
Another great tip to help beginner gardeners on their way is to create a gardening journal, complete with plans and imagery. This will allow you to create a plan of action when it comes to growing all of your favourite flowers and vegetables.
It will also help you to map out your garden, making it easy to know what to put where.
2. Lighten heavy pots
Take the stresses and strains out of lifting heavy and large containers by filling them with one-third to one-half of packing peanuts. Finish by placing a piece of landscape fabric on top of the packing peanuts and then by layering with potting soil.
To further reduce the weight, use a potting mix that houses a large amount of peat moss and vermiculite.
One point which applies to beginner gardeners just as much as those with experience, is to never lift containers and pots that are too heavy as you may risk injuring yourself.
3. Controlling aggressive plants
Prevent aggressive plants such as loosestrife and gooseneck from bombarding your garden by planting them in a plastic pot or container. This will help to prevent the plants’ underground roots from crowding the entire garden. Simply remove the base of the plant with a knife, as this will encourage the roots to grow directly down into the soil.
If you’re starting out as a beginner gardener, it’s wise to do your research. Certain plants are more unruly than others and if you’re new to gardening, it’s a sensible idea to pick low-maintenance species, at least until you become more knowledgeable and advanced with your skills.
4. Easy-read rain gauge
Adding a few drops of food colouring to your rain gauge will create an easy-to-read measure. During the next rainfall, the water will appear in the same colour as the food dye. This is a great way to check the water level with ease, allowing you to be prompted when to water your plants – something that a beginner gardener can easily forget!
5. Assisting root-bound plants
One disadvantage associated with buying potting plants is that they are often root-bound. As the plant begins to grow in the pot, the roots run out of room to grow. When this happens, they begin to form small, tight circles of roots in the pot.
This can stop much-needed nutrients and water from traveling to the leaves and the rest of the plant. To stop this from happening, simply guide the roots outward using your fingers. Use a knife if they are really tough to carefully make vertical cuts in the root-ball.
6. Protecting bulbs
Plants can become susceptible to pests in the shape of insects and animals. If you’re tired of creatures eating and attacking your newly planted flower bulbs, keep them at bay by adding netting to the bed of flowers.
When springtime arrives, remove the netting or cut holes in the cloth. This will allow the plants to grow through.
Another way to protect plants is to grow them indoors initially – this may be in the home, in a conservatory, or in a greenhouse. Once the plant is established, transfer it to a new spot outside.
You may wish to bring these plants indoors again as soon as the winter months arrive, especially if the area you live in is susceptible to frost.
As a beginner gardener, you’ll want to be careful when digging up your plants to ensure that you don’t damage the bulbs too much.
7. Blemish free roses
When planting roses, pruning is a must! In fact, this is a crucial part of caring for your roses. It will also encourage the rose to keep the center of its flower open, so that sunshine can shine in. Pruning will ensure the moisture is kept out and will also prevent black spots and other ailments from forming.
If you care for your roses correctly, they will last you many years, meaning they can be a picture-perfect reminder from the time when you first started gardening.
8. Portable potting
Give your wheelbarrow an update, by using wooden slats to fit a piece of plywood to the back end. This will create a flat surface that is ideal for potting plants. This will also allow you to wheel your tools, plants, and soil to the garden, all in one easy trip – as opposed to carrying each item by hand.
9. Transporting plants
Planning a trip to the local nursery? Before you do so, line the back of your car with a plastic tarpaulin, and place a small step ladder on top of the tarp.
The slots between the ladder will help to create handy compartments for any plants purchased, protecting them on the journey home by stopping them from sliding from side to side. It should also help to prevent any mess from occurring!
10. Create a no-stick shovel
Spray your all-time favourite garden shovel (or any other tool for that matter) with a Teflon or silicone lubricant to create a tool that works like a dream! A generous coating of this spray will make any type of soil slide right off the shovel without creating a mess, meaning you can garden with ease.
We hope that following these tips can make gardening for beginners a great deal easier, but if you have any other helpful hints that you would like to share please let us know.
Comments are closed.