In today’s world, where convenience tends to trump everything else, there’s a kind of decadence in reconnecting with the world. Whether you’re drawn to the idea of harvesting vine-ripened tomatoes from your backyard or snipping fresh herbs for tonight’s dinner, deciding to start a garden promises not just delicious rewards but a profound sense of satisfaction and sustainability.

Nice intro, right?

Here’s the reality: If you don’t start growing some of your food, you’re never going to get the nutrients you could get, you’ll never get the satisfaction of being able to get the ingredients you need right from your balcony/garden/windowsill/roof, and since food prices seem to keep going endlessly up (I’m starting to doubt that whole, “What goes up must come down” thing), you’re wasting a ton of money buying things like greens and herbs at the store.

So, let’s dive in! Here’s the complete beginner’s guide to starting a garden

The bigger picture

Gardening isn’t just some high-level passion for cultivating plants. It’s a step towards sustainability. Growing your food reduces your carbon footprint and your reliance on industrial agriculture. Every vegetable, herb, or fruit you harvest at home is a step towards a greener, more self-sufficient lifestyle.

You might actually find that there’s a very real joy in connecting with nature through gardening. When you dig your hands into soil, you’re not just nurturing plants — you’re connecting with the natural world. It sounds a little dippy, maybe, but even the microbes in the dirt are good for you. Seeing the cycle of growth firsthand, from seedlings to harvests, can give you an appreciation of nature and a deep feeling of gratitude…if you’re paying attention.

The strategy: How do I start a garden?

1. Choose your space: Whether you have a spacious backyard, a sunny balcony, or even just a few windowsills, there’s a gardening option for every space. Assess your available area and sunlight exposure to determine the best spot for your garden.
2. Select your plants: Start with easy-to-grow plants that make sense for your climate, preferences, and space constraints. Choosing the right plants for your garden has everything to do with your climate and the space you have available, but herbs like basil and mint thrive in pots, while tomatoes and peppers flourish in garden beds or containers. Think about your favorite dishes: Growing ingredients you love to cook with adds an extra layer of satisfaction to your gardening experience.
3. Prepare the soil: Healthy soil is the key to a successful garden. You’ll probably need to improve fertility and drainage, so think about amending your soil with organic matter like compost or aged manure. Container gardeners should use a quality potting mix, and you can find mixes formulated for specific plant types if you want to take the extra step. Most container-grown vegetables, though, are happy in a basic potting mix.
4. Planting and care: Follow the planting instructions on your seed packets or plant tags, ensuring proper spacing and depth. Water your plants regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases, and address issues promptly with organic methods like companion planting, neem oil, or sometimes just spraying with a hose!
5. Harvest and enjoy: As your plants grow, celebrate milestones like your first ripe tomato or fragrant basil leaves ready for harvest. Enjoy knowing exactly where your food came from as you use your homegrown ingredients in your meals.

The rewards

Obviously, starting a garden will give you better, less expensive food, at least in the long run. Getting set up can be as simple as buying a bag of soil and a seed packet, but a lot of people do spend a small fortune on getting started (I did! Building and filling multiple raised beds was more expensive than buying groceries at first, but we’re at the point now where we’re just reaping the rewards. Piles of tomatoes, eggplants, greens, fresh herbs, and more come out of those beds every year!

Beyond the obvious rewards of fresh food, gardening offers a ton of health benefits. Spending time outdoors, engaging in physical activity, getting your hands in the dirt, and connecting with nature promote mental clarity, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being. Gardening can also bring people together to share extra produce with neighbors, participate in garden clubs, and swap gardening tips with friends (and also strangers online — Hello to all of you!). Starting a garden can help you grow a community centered around a shared love for growing and nurturing plants.

But mostly…the more food you can grow in your garden, the less money you’ll need to spend at the store.

Why you should start a garden today

Stepping into a gardening journey isn’t just about cultivating plants. It’s about cultivating a lifestyle that values sustainability, connection, and self-sufficiency. Whether you’re brand new to plants or a seasoned gardener, the joys of growing your food are endless. From planting seeds to the abundant harvests that follow, each step in your gardening adventure is a testament to the beauty and bounty of nature.

So, roll up your sleeves, grab your trowel, and join the millions who have learned to love gardening. Let the soil and the sun get you excited about reaping the rewards of your labor — one incredible bite at a time.