The Plant Lady

So many people are returning to gardening or starting out for the first time.  One of the groups that I am a member of has over 3,000 new members! Plant people are always excited and happy to share knowledge. Instead of writing a typical column this month, I decided to reach out to one of many gardening groups for some inspiration.  The question asked was: If you were to give a piece of advice to a new or aspiring gardener, what would it be?  Here are some great responses.

Read everything you can, never give up hope and take at least one risk every year.

Start small.  Learn your good and bad bugs.

Mulch. Mulch. Mulch!

Be patient, test things out go yourself, but be open to suggestions from others.

Have fun. Reap what you sow.

Journal and take photos.

Get some good gardening pants or overalls with lots of pockets.

Plan your space for the full size of the plant.  It’s easier to plan ahead than move a full-grown plant.

Weed after rainfall or watering.  The weeds pop out easier.

Make sure the plant is hardy to your zone.

Don’t be too tough to use a knee pad.

Give thought to what the purpose of your garden is.  If you are planning a flower garden, what is important to you? Pollinator friendly? Simply beautiful?

Seek advice but teach yourself.  Read, learn and learn some more.

Grow what you like! There is no sense in growing Brussels sprouts if nobody likes them.

Plant deer-resistant plants. It’s easier than fighting the deer.

There will always be failures.  A plant that does not come back is just an opportunity to try something new.

Stay away from river rock in your garden beds.  Your knees, ankles, wrists and back will thank you.

Make a note of how tall plants grow BEFORE planting them. There is nothing like a 8’ flower in front of your front window.

Prepare your area properly before planting.  Weeds are easier to kill when there are no other plants around.

Join a garden club.

Even experienced gardeners kill plants. Don’t take it personally.

Figure out the sun and shade patterns before you plant.

Weed 10 minutes every day.  It keeps the garden in check, and you can take out all the day’s frustrations on the weeds!

The Plant Lady is a regional horticulturalist with the goal is of making Bluff Country more beautiful – one garden at a time. Follow her on Facebook @PlantLadyMn for helpful tips and tricks, or via email at ThePlantLadyMN@gmail.com.