When I first started gardening, I found it very daunting and like there was so much to learn.
For gardening beginners, I recommend starting out small with a few simple tools and products.
Below, I share my suggestions for the best soil, pots, seeds, and optional tools.
I've been gardening for over 14 years and am still in awe when I watch seeds sprout into flowers or vegetables within just a few months.
Initially, I was intimidated by gardening; I kept trying to figure out the best methods while trying to understand jargon like "annual" or "heirloom seeds." I wanted to do everything correctly but soon realized that gardening has too many variables, including some you can't control (like the weather). Just like many things in life, you can do everything right and not get the exact results you hoped for — but it's still worth trying your best and growing along the way.
Gardening is fun, straightforward, and doesn't require too many materials to get started. You don't need to get overwhelmed as I did with information overload. In fact, your best bet for success is to start out small by choosing a handful of vegetables, herbs, or flowers to grow and ease into the process.
What you need to get started gardening as a beginner:
Compost is created from organic material that is broken down and turned into what gardeners call "black gold." Compost can be made from plant debris, leaves, wood, fruit and vegetable scraps, paper, and more that decomposes and turns into a rich, natural amendment that provides nutrients for your plants while also enriching the soil.
You can make your own compost, but it can take a couple of months or longer, depending on the process. When you're just starting out, it's best to buy a bag or two until you set up your own compost area in your garden.
Pots
PSW Pot
PSW OT35TC Traditional Pot, 14 by 13-Inch, Terra Cotta
Check price at Amazon
Veranda Box
Bloem 26" x 11" Veranda Rectangular Window Deck Box Planter
Check price at Target
If you're not growing directly into the ground or a garden bed, you will need containers. When you're starting out, you can upcycle by using what you may already have on hand, such as yogurt or milk cartons. If you're starting your garden from seeds, use egg cartons as a receptacle. Just be sure to create a few small drainage holes at the bottom so the water can drain.
I like the classic ceramic pots in various sizes to accommodate different crops. For example, you'll likely need to buy bigger pots if you're growing root vegetables such as beets, onions, garlic, or potatoes. Tomatoes, corn, cucumbers, and squash all have roots that take up a lot of vertical space and if you're growing lettuces, herbs, or strawberries, I'd opt for a wider, rectangular pot.
