April Showers Bring May Flowers: Gardening for Beginners
Everyone knows the old saying and when I hear it, I immediately think of all the spring blooms. From the smell of a nearby lilac bush to the smell of fresh cut grass, spring is in the air and it happens to be the best time to get a head start on planning and planting your garden. Whether you are into herbs or flowers, a beginner or an expert, here is a guide to help you along the way.
Herbs
Probably one of the most useful types of gardens to grow, since it can really save you some money at the grocery store. However, probably not the prettiest to look at in terms of color. Most herbs can be planted either outside or inside, even near your kitchen for easy access. Herbs are very hardy and basically, if there isn’t snow on the ground then you can harvest and use these plants.
However, be warned that herbs can get a little out of control if you do not cut them regularly. Their prolific nature is great if you need trimmings but often, you will find yourself giving away some of your cuttings. Some of the most popular herbs are rosemary, thyme, sage, parsley, chives, mint, oregano, basil, and cilantro.
Vegetables
A vegetable garden is relatively easy to start and will save you money at the grocery store. Veggies can also be grown indoors with the help of hanging pots, especially if the plant grows on a vine. To begin, you will want to plant some low maintenance veggies to ensure you do not become overwhelmed.
Root vegetables are the perfect plants to start with since the root is the vegetable. Carrots, turnips, beets, parsnips, and radishes are all part of the root vegetable family. Just be sure to label these plants in your garden, you don’t want any surprises when it is time to harvest. Some other easy veggies to grow are lettuce, tomatoes, green beans, zucchini, and any other squash plants.
Perennials
Now for the flower enthusiasts. Flowers can either be perennials, meaning they will bloom every year (for 3-5 years), or annuals, meaning they live through one life cycle (one year) and die. Perennials have the aforementioned limited life span, but there are some hardier perennials that can last for 20 years!
When planting flowers, it is extremely important to know how much sunlight your garden will receive. This will determine what flowers will grow best in your garden. Some plants prefer a lot of sun while others prefer more shaded areas. Some easy perennials to grow are Asiatic lilies, hydrangeas, peonies, and irises.
Annuals
Perennials may be celebrated due to their low maintenance and ability to come back year after year, but annuals are special because their blooms are richer and more colorful than perennials.
A benefit of annuals is that they give you the opportunity to experiment with your garden. You can try a plant in one area for one summer and if you don’t like it, then you can replant it the following summer in a new area. Begonias, poppies, petunias, and marigolds are some annual favorites.
Happy Planting!
