Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock/Arunee
Anyone, no matter their experience level, can grow a successful garden with just a little planning. When it comes to gardening, understanding your environment and growing space is essential. Here, Hennepin County Master Gardener volunteers Mary Webber and Lauren Bethke share a few of their top tips to ensure your garden stays happy and heathy all summer long.
Start With the Soil
Healthy soil is the foundation of a thriving garden. If you’re unsure about the quality of your soil, a good first step is to submit a sample to the University of Minnesota Soil Testing Laboratory. You can drop off or mail in soil samples, and in about two weeks, you’ll receive results, along with personalized recommendations for improving your soil.
Sunlight Matters
One common mistake novice gardeners make is trying to grow plants that are inappropriate for the amount of light the area receives, such as attempting to grow vegetables in areas without at least six hours of direct sunlight. There are plenty of plants that thrive in the shade, but edible varieties typically need more sun.
Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock/cycreation
Keep It Manageable
Start small. Choosing just a few plant types for your first growing season allows you to get to know your space and grow your confidence as a gardener. Taking the time to sketch out a simple plan will set you up for success and minimize stress when planting and maintaining your garden.
Grow What You Love
Gardening can be as simple or complex as you want it to be, so have fun and create a space that brings you joy. We both love growing vegetables and challenging ourselves to grow a different type every year. (This year, Mary is attempting bush and pole beans, and Lauren is trying Brussels sprouts.) It’s a fun challenge—we love to learn from our mistakes. So, get out there and get growing!
