IMPORTANT TIPS TO KEEP IN MIND:

Okay, once you have the above three major areas figured out, then it’s important to remember these pointers that are very crucial for beginner gardeners. Following through these points will help you avoid some of the most common mistakes people make when they start a garden.

1. Assess your region – This means finding out about the zone you are living in, the climatic conditions and the seasonal crops that grow in your region.
2. Soil Prep – You CAN NOT underestimate this step. It is “The Most Important” step in your gardening journey as I have pointed out earlier.
3. What to Grow – Start by making a list of “Easy to grow” plants and by that I mean plants that are indigenous and grow well in your region in that particular season. Always, I repeat, always start with crops that are seasonal and native because they grow well without much resistance and that helps you gain confidence as a gardener. Early success inspires you to keep going. So, in your enthusiasm, please DO NOT try to grow exotic varieties to start with. It’s a sure shot way to failure.
4. Water carefully – Watering is an art. You can’t blindly follow a routine of watering once or twice every day. You need to feel the soil and if it is dry, then water the plant and if it is moist or wet then you can delay watering. A general rule of thumb is to water once in the morning and once in the evening but a lot of this depends on the climate – whether it’s too dry or too wet and also on the plants. So, sharpen your observation skills and you will be just fine.
5. Sunlight exposure – This is another key factor to consider. Make sure you place your plants in an area that receives enough sunlight, at least 6 hours of good sunlight in a day.
6. Weeding – Container garden won’t have much of this problem but you must keep an eye to remove weeds from time to time. These compete for nutrients and water with your plants and deter their growth.
7. Patience – This is very important. If gardening doesn’t teach anything else, it will teach you patience for sure. It’s not for the instant result-seekers. Don’t hurry the process. If you start feeling impatient, tell yourself to breathe deeply.
8. Make time for plants – While you are breathing, do sit next to your plants and do that. It’s therapeutic – for you and the plants. I don’t want to sound very spiritual or philosophical but your care for your plants matters. I am not asking you to sing to your plants (it would be lovely if you can though) but do spend time caring for them, looking at them, enjoying them. It will definitely show results. It will make plants grow better. Really, it does. I speak from experience. I am sure you all remember that scene from “Taare Zameen par” where Aamir Khan explains this concept…if not, go watch it, I say!
9. Journal – Keep a notebook to keep track of your seeding charts, timelines and harvest dates. It is important for every gardener, whether a beginner or an expert. This journal can also double up as your garden planner, garden inspiration and gardening goal setter. Once you start journaling, you will be able to track your progress and also note down what did or did not work well. Believe me when I say, that though we think greatly of our own memory power, you have no idea the number of times you will draw a blank when you need to remember a date or timeline. So, trust me on this and keep a notebook, will ya
10. Experiment – Now, I can’t even begin to tell you the tremendous potential of experimenting. Not everything can be taught. Gardening is a process and some things just have to be learnt by doing, by failing and by constantly experimenting. So don’t be afraid to experiment! And don’t be afraid to fail!