Gardening doesn’t just produce a few flowers or vegetables, it creates a whole new lifestyle for you to enjoy. It’s a proven health benefit to have a garden to take care of and millions of people in the world call gardening their passion. However, as a beginner, you might be intimidated by the overwhelming responsibility of getting a garden right. Since green thumbs aren’t reserved for seasoned experts, there’s no reason you can’t succeed on your first try.
Here are a few helpful garden ideas in Mission Viejo you can implement to ensure your success and enjoyment of your first garden:
Understand Your Environment
While you may have your heart set on growing one particular plant, it may not thrive in your climate. Certain 
fruits, vegetables and flowers need certain amounts of sunlight per day and also have particular soil requirements. Find a few you’d like to grow, then check to make sure your backyard is suitable for them.
Plan Your Lawn Ahead of Time
In addition to sunlight, your garden needs to be away from roots, such as those from the trees in your yard. In regards to your garden planning, you should also take into consideration who will be working on the plants and what means will they use; map out a small path between the rows of what you grow, seeing that people can maneuver safely and efficiently throughout the garden. Some plants need more room to grow than others, too and you’ll want to ensure proper pH levels for planting, as soil acidity affects a plant’s ability to absorb nutrients.
Keep A Journal Of Your Gardening
It’s challenging to keep up with what was planted where and when, thus, a written map of your garden is helpful. Additionally, you’ll want to keep a record of when you can expect full blooms or fruits and vegetables ripe for the picking. A journal can be invaluable when planning next year’s crop as well, as you note what did and didn’t do well under particular circumstances this year.
Check Mother Nature’s Schedule First
There are many tasks for a gardener to keep up with, such as fertilizing, pruning, weeding and planting and all should be done at a certain time of year. Depending on your area, you’ll likely be fertilizing first in Spring, then about every eight weeks thereafter; some bulbs should be planted at the end of the growing season, while seeds in the beginning and so on. Most of this is according to temperature, thus, it’s vital that you coordinate your efforts with Mother Nature.
Be Creative In How You Grow
There’s no written rule that states your garden ideas must be limited to a square garden bed in the backyard. As a beginner, you want to set yourself up for success and really enjoy what you’re doing. Therefore, if it would be more convenient for you to set up a raised garden box on the back patio, by all means, have your way with it. There are also many indoor gardening options you could attempt, each with its own benefits and drawbacks you’d need to consider.
The one thing you want to make sure of is that your gardening ideas are centered around your lifestyle, so don’t try raising something that requires constant attention if you’re always away on business. Pick something you find fun, delicious or beautiful, but be realistic in your expectations.
Gardening will keep you young, feed you well and leave your whole yard looking and smelling like a little piece of paradise. Don’t be intimidated by the thought of taking on your first garden, just take care in doing so. While it can be complicated, the rewards make all the effort very worthwhile. You’ll see, and on your first try, too.
Written by Jovick McCloud
