A Simple Guide to Start a Garden for Beginners

Introduction

Have you ever thought about wanting to build your own garden? Contemplating the idea of starting your own garden is the first step towards your own gardening journey, regardless the size of your available space. It is understandable that you might feel hesitant and skeptical due to concerns like limited space, lack of knowledge, or available space. However, we believe that all you need is the right guidance and information, along with a little boost of confidence to spark that enthusiasm. With a bit of reading and research, you may find that gardening becomes less daunting and that any of your dilemmas can be managed with proper planning and care. After all, gardening isn’t mostly about growing plants, it is also about experiencing the joy of nurturing life. Who knows? Gardening might even end up being your favourite past-time. 

What is the Easiest Plant to Grow?

Herbs

If you enjoy cooking at home, consider starting by planting herbs such as Thai basil, lemongrass, or pandan. Thai basil grows well in garden beds and pots, typically requiring plenty of sunlight and well-drained soil to thrive. In Malaysia, especially, pandan leaves are abundant and commonly used to add flavor to many dishes and desserts. The best part is they are extremely easy to grow, either in pots or in the ground. These types of herbs prefer partial shade and regular watering. Additionally, lemongrass is a staple in Malaysian cuisine and is extremely easy to grow, requiring minimal maintenance. They can be grown in pots or directly in the ground, usually preferring well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight.

Salad Greens

Buying salad greens at the supermarket can be quite expensive. However, this shouldn’t be a concern if you learn how to grow these vegetables yourself. Lettuce, spinach, and arugula are excellent examples. With numerous varieties to choose from, they are top selections for gardeners and homeowners interested in cultivating their own vegetables. These salad greens are perfect for beginners due to their minimal cultivation requirements and relatively short growth cycle. As a result, beginners can experience the satisfaction of harvesting fresh produce quickly. If you’re looking for fast results, salad greens are one of the best options for beginners.

Bougainvillea

The Bougainvillea plant is an excellent choice for beginner gardeners stepping into the world of gardening. Known for its hardy nature, it’s particularly appealing to those who are just starting out. Bougainvilleas require minimal maintenance and can flourish with basic care. While they are not edible, their vibrant bracts come in a variety of colors, including shades of pink, purple, red, and white, adding a burst of color to any garden.

For beginners on a budget, Bougainvilleas offer an affordable and accessible option. They are widely available at nurseries and garden centers, making them an easy choice for novice gardeners. With their adaptability to tropical climates, they thrive in various settings, whether in garden beds, containers, or draped over trellises and fences. Bougainvilleas are well-suited to the heat and humidity typical of the Malaysian climate, offering flexibility for gardeners with different space limitations.

Basic Gardening Tools to Own

Garden Gloves

Garden gloves protect your hands from prickles, thorns, and soil while gardening. Opt for gloves made from breathable and durable materials for extra flexibility and comfort. 

Hand Trowel

This is essentially a small, handheld tool with a pointed, scoop-shaped metal blade. Used for digging small holes for removing weeds, planting, and transplanting seedlings. 

Garden Fork

Almost similar to a pitchfork but are smaller, with shorter and sturdy tines. Garden forks are used to loosen soil, aerating the ground, and turning compost. 

Pruning Shears

Pruning shears are also known as clippers or secateurs. These are used for trimming shrubs, cutting small branches, and deadheading flowers. They often come in anvil or bypass styles. An anvil cut is typically more powerful that a bypass cut with minimal effort required, making them ideal to prune dead wood. Bypass cutting, on the other hand creates a more clean and precise healthy cut in a scissor action. 

Garden Hoe

A long-handled tools with a flat metal blade at one end. This is used to cultivate soil, creating furrows for planting seeds, and removing weeds. Opt for a smaller one if you’re using it for a small home garden. 

Garden Spade

A sturdy, flat-bladed shovel with a long handle that is used for transplanting shrubs, digging large holes, and edging garden beds. 

Watering Can or Hose

Used to water plants and is ideal for small gardens or indoor plants. A hose with a nozzle attachment is better to accommodate larger areas. 

Should You Have a Garden Theme?

At the end of the day, your garden is your own space, and you should design it to suit your preferences. However, we recommend considering a garden theme for the ease of planning and design. For beginners who may feel overwhelmed by the multitude of options available, a garden theme provides direction and framework for making decisions about garden structures, colors, and plant choices.

It’s also an opportunity to reflect your interests, personality, and lifestyle preferences. Everyone’s approach to gardening is different, and flexibility and adaptability are key as interests and preferences may evolve over time. Don’t feel restricted by rules or limitations; instead, be creative with your garden theme. Eventually, you’ll find something that works well for you.

How to Keep Insects and Rodents Out?

Use Natural Barriers

Natural barriers can range from mesh screen, row covers, and netting to protect plants from insect pests. You can also use materials such as crushed eggshells or diatomaceous earth around plant stems to scare off crawling insects. 

Use Organic Pest Control Methods

Purchase organic pesticides for plants from nurseries that offer a selection of environmentally-friendly pest control products that are suitable for use on edible plants. Other organic pesticides that you can opt are those that contain natural sources such as insecticidal soap, neem oil, or pyrethrin, to target specific pests while minimizing harm to beneficial insects. You could also seek advice from a pesticide shop that offers organic solutions. 

Conclusion

Now that you have a rough idea of what you could do, it’s time to put those plans into action by assessing your garden, gathering necessary supplies, implementing the pest control strategies, and monitoring your garden. Most importantly, don’t give up and have fun at what you do. Gardening takes time and it will not show results instantly. Have a little bit of patience and give your plants the care they need. Soon, you will be fruitful in your endeavors.