Now that you know where you’ll be gardening and how much sunlight your space gets, it’s time to decide what to plant! Picking the right plants is key to a fun and successful gardening season. The right choices will thrive, making your garden both beautiful and productive.
Let’s walk through some simple steps to help you choose plants that match your space and lifestyle.
1. Find Your Growing Zone
Before grabbing seeds or plants, take a moment to check your growing zone. This helps you understand what plants will do well in your local climate and how long your growing season lasts.
- Some plants need a long season to mature, so you may need to start them indoors before moving them outside.
- Knowing your zone can also help you pick plants that will thrive with the amount of sun, rain, and warmth in your area.
You can find your zone by checking the USDA Hardiness Zone Map or searching online for your city’s growing conditions. That said, don’t be afraid to experiment! Gardening is all about learning, and sometimes trying new plants—whether they’re in your zone or not—can be a fun challenge.
2. Consider Your Sunlight
We touched on sunlight before, but it’s worth repeating, sun exposure makes a huge difference in plant growth. Choose plants based on how much sun your space gets:
- Full sun (6+ hours): Perfect for tomatoes, peppers, and herbs like basil. Sunflowers, zinnias, and marigolds also love full sun.
- Partial sun (4-6 hours): Great for leafy greens like spinach and lettuce, plus herbs like parsley. Flowers like begonias and impatiens also do well.
- Shade (Less than 4 hours): Try shade-loving plants like ferns, hostas, or herbs like mint and chives.
If you’re unsure how much sunlight your space gets, spend a day observing it at different times.
3. Choose Plants That Fit Your Space
Your available space will help determine what kind of plants you can grow. Here are some ideas based on different garden setups:
- Large yard or backyard: You have room for in-ground beds, raised beds, or even a greenhouse. Think big—tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and sunflowers all love the space!
- Small patio or balcony: Container gardening is your best friend. Herbs like rosemary, basil, and mint do great in pots, and even tomatoes and peppers can thrive in containers. Want to grow something big? Try vertical gardening—use trellises or hanging planters to maximize space.
- Indoor space: If you’re limited to an indoor garden, go for easy-to-grow herbs like basil, chives, and parsley. These do well on a sunny windowsill.
4. Think About Maintenance
Some plants need more attention than others, so think about how much time you want to spend in the garden:
- Easy, low-maintenance plants: Herbs like basil, mint, and chives are great for beginners. Leafy greens like lettuce and spinach also require little fuss.
- More demanding plants: If you enjoy hands-on gardening, try vegetables like tomatoes and peppers, which need regular watering and care.
Gardening is all about learning as you go. You might even find creative ways to grow plants that others haven’t thought of yet!
5. Start Small and Build Up
You don’t have to grow a full garden overnight! Starting small lets you learn, experiment, and enjoy the process without feeling overwhelmed.
- Pick just a few plants to start. Maybe a pot of basil, some lettuce, or a couple of tomato plants.
- As you gain confidence, add more plants or try different varieties.
- Most importantly, have fun! Gardening is a journey, not a race.
Now that you’ve got a feel for your space, sunlight, and what you might want to grow, it’s time to set you free! Don’t worry you can always refer to our blogs, but don’t think of our posts as a checklist but as a resource, kind of like a parenting book for plants. Not every plant is the same, and not every garden works for the same plants. Your garden is your own adventure!
Keep reading through our resources, try experimenting on your own, and use them as guides. Remember, we’re always adding fresh tips and ideas every week, so there’s always something new to explore. And be sure to check out our store to see which seeds catch your eye and spark inspiration.
Always remember, gardening isn’t about doing everything perfectly, it’s about learning, experimenting, and having fun along the way. No rush! You’ve got this. Take your time, find what works for you, grow your roots, and don’t forget your WHY!
Take your time, find what works for you, and remember why you started. Every garden is unique, and yours will grow in its own special way!
