Are you one of those people that really admire others efforts and successes in the gardening world but feel that you could never, ever achieve such success? Does your yard have the appearance of a Kansas farm during the Dust Bowl of the 1930’s and you want to change it but don’t know where to start? Do you have problems growing silk flower arrangements? A lot of novice gardeners and those that would like to garden feel like they have two black thumbs. This is a natural reaction to the seemingly overwhelming world of plants and all that they require to live. Just remember that reaching the peak of the mountain begins with one small step!

     Gardening should be apart of everyone’s lives for several reasons. Digging in the dirt and then planting and watching your efforts grow provides a spiritual connection to the earth that our fast paced lives are sometimes missing. Beginning with the hard but satisfying work of soil preparation and coming to term with the satisfaction of beautiful flower blooms or a basket of fresh vegetables, gardening provides a sense of the cycles in life. After a hard, fast paced day, you can putter at your own speed and relax in the botanical world that you create, nurture, and bring to fruition. With a little interest shown by adults, children naturally take to the wide world of gardening. Children have an innate sense of wonder about the world around them. Working in the garden helps them to develop a more complete picture of their home as both an indoor and an outdoors place. Many long lasting bonds can be created in the garden between parents and children. Also, you can garden just because you are tired of eating tomatoes that are store bought and taste like cardboard! If you have no experience, here are a few tips.

      Start small. By starting small and enjoying your little successes, you will not be overwhelmed by too much physical effort or a loss of control due to limited experience or knowledge. Maybe you could plant a small vegetable garden with a few tomato and pepper plants. The flowerbed at the front door entrance might be the place for a few blooming annuals. Just don’t try to do too much too soon. You need to experience some small victories before tackling bigger gardening projects.

     You need to seek out the professionals at qualified retail nurseries. Ask questions. It is their stock and trade to help you achieve success in your efforts. You will also find plant material that has been well taken care of. The professionals will help you find the right plant for the right place. And that is important. If you place a shade loving plant in the sun, it will burn up quickly.  I have a problem with super center discount stores, and not only because I own a competing nursery. If you are new to gardening and you are excited and wishing for success and you get bad advice or plant material, chances are you’re not going to be satisfied with the results. And it has nothing to with your efforts! You were just led down the wrong path! There is much to learn about things that grow and you need the right plant with the right advice to be successful. Seek out knowledgeable people with good quality plant material.

      Lastly, do not neglect to build a good foundation upon which your plants will grow. Planting a healthy plant in poor or marginal soil will only produce a poor or marginal plant. Take the time to amend the soil, giving your efforts a little more room for success. Again, the professionals will be able to help you with providing your plants all that they need to grow up and be the beautiful plant you wished for! Remember that all things done well take the time and the patience of lessons learned. One of the many life long joys of gardening is that you will never know it all. But you have your whole life to practice. With a good attitude and persistence you too can have not one but maybe two green thumbs!