Living in the generation post-Martha Stewart and residing in the middle of a city with abundant farmers markets, there wasn't incentive for me to ever learn how to sow and harvest my own produce. However, I finally have an opportunity to grow a garden in raised beds, so I'm trying to chat up every gardener I know to gather facts for a beginner. Some of these tips surprised me — did you know lavender is a natural pest controller? These are the 12 most intriguing lessons I've learned thus far, so read on if you've got basic questions about getting into gardening for the first time.
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Anna Monette Roberts
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If the soil in your garden is healthy, then nature will meet you the other half of the way to produce tasty fruits and vegetables. As a gardener, having mineral-rich, moist soil should be your top priority.
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Anna Monette Roberts
When we go to the grocery store, there is usually only one type of basil, a few types of tomatoes, etc., but in reality, there are infinite varietals of fruits and veggies for your taste buds to discover. Consider working with a seed savers exchange to plant heirloom varietals of basil, tomatoes, corn, etc. You'll be amazed by the vast range of scents, flavors, and textures, plus you'll be doing the planet good by increasing biodiversity.
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Anna Monette Roberts
Cucumbers, tomatoes, carrots, and beets are the easiest veggies to grow first. They are as close to foolproof as gardening gets.
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Anna Monette Roberts
Purslane, a spinach-like green often used in Mediterranean and Mexican cuisines, is actually a weed! However, it's a tasty weed that can be easily incorporated into salads, juiced, or used to garnish dishes. You'll often see it at the farmers market on the cheap (and that's because it's a weed!).
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Anna Monette Roberts
Squirrels and other pests may dig up and eat seeds before they have a chance to germinate. That's why it's important to plant seed starters. Tomatoes, basil, and nasturtium are the easiest to "start."
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Anna Monette Roberts
Especially during the Summer when droughts are almost a given, many farmers and gardeners are working with deep root irrigation. This system sends the water directly to the roots so no surface water is lost to evaporation. The benefits? You'll end up using only a fourth the amount of water you typically would, and by feeding the roots only, it prevents weeds from growing on the surface of the soil.
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Anna Monette Roberts
Companion planting in the same plot has a myriad of benefits, including choking out weeds, deterring pests, and adding rich nutrients (like nitrogen) to the soil for a more bountiful harvest.
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Anna Monette Roberts
Though we tend to think leafy greens love the sun, some more delicate greens like lettuce and chard struggle to withstand high heat and must be covered during Summer months.
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Anna Monette Roberts
Kale is another extremely easy vegetable to grow — plus the health benefits and cooking versatility make it even more covetable.
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Anna Monette Roberts
If your soil has too much nitrogen, plant squash, which sucks up a lot of nitrogen when growing.
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Anna Monette Roberts
Many insects (excluding bees) and deer detest the scent of lavender. Plant it around your garden as a natural pest repellent.
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Anna Monette Roberts
If your plants ever accidentally cross-pollinate (like two different pepper varietals create a hybrid pepper), simply dig up the cross-pollinated plant and transfer it to a remote location in the garden to prevent further accidental cross-pollination. Save the plant, because you never know if you've discovered a really delicious, rare varietal.
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Anna Monette Roberts
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Anna Monette Roberts
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Anna Monette Roberts
