Helpful Answers to Get You Growing!
When I first started gardening, I was full of questions, and most of them I was too embarrassed to ask. Does dirt really matter?
Do I have to start seeds indoors? Why is everything I plant dying? If you’re brand new to gardening and your brain is buzzing with questions, you’re not alone. Here’s a friendly, no-judgment guide answering the top 10 questions every new gardener asks, so you can dig in with confidence.
1. Do I Really Need Fancy Soil?
Yes and no. You don’t need the priciest bag from the garden center, but good soil is everything. Veggies are picky eaters — they want loose, nutrient-rich soil, not compacted clay or sandy dust.
Best soil mix for beginners:
- 1/3 compost (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/3 topsoil (screened if possible)
- 1/3 peat moss or aged leaf mold (for moisture retention)
Personal tip: If you’re starting in raised beds, it’s worth investing in good soil upfront — your plants will thank you.
2. Should I Start with Seeds or Plants?
For beginners, plants (transplants) are easier for many crops. You’ll get a head start, and they’re a bit more forgiving. But some veggies are super easy to grow from seed. Find out more here
Start with plants:
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Eggplant
- Broccoli
Direct sow seeds:
- Lettuce
- Radishes
- Beans
- Peas
- Zucchini
Personal tip: I still buy tomato and pepper starts from a local farm most years — it’s okay to mix and match.
3. How Much Sun Does My Garden Need?
At least 6 hours a day for most vegetables, though 8 hours is even better. Leafy greens can handle partial shade, but fruiting crops (tomatoes, peppers) crave full sun.
Personal tip: If your yard is shady, focus on lettuce, spinach, kale, and herbs — they’re happy with 4-6 hours.
4. How Often Should I Water My Garden?
It depends — weather, soil type, and plant needs all play a role. As a rule of thumb:
- Most veggies need 1 inch of water per week.
- In hot weather, raised beds may need watering every other day.
- Always water deeply to encourage strong roots.
I water in the morning so leaves dry quickly — wet leaves at night = disease problems. Water quality is important click here.
5. What’s the Easiest Vegetable to Grow?
Here are my top picks for foolproof beginner crops: Click here
| Vegetable | Why It’s Easy |
| Lettuce | Quick, grows in containers, keeps coming back |
| Radishes | Fast (ready in 3-4 weeks), not fussy |
| Green Beans | Direct sow, high yield, low maintenance |
| Zucchini | Produces like crazy (maybe too much!) |
| Basil | Grows anywhere, harvest often |
Start with one or two easy crops to build confidence — you can always expand.
6. Do I Need to Fertilize?
Probably! Most garden soil needs a boost, especially in raised beds. Stick to organic options if possible — they feed your soil, not just your plants.
Easy beginner fertilizers:
- Compost — Best all-around.
- Fish emulsion — Great for leafy greens.
- Bone meal — Boosts root crops.
- Kelp meal — Adds trace minerals.
Personal tip: I feed heavy feeders (tomatoes, squash) every 2-3 weeks during peak growing season.
7. How Do I Keep Bugs from Eating My Plants?
Pests are part of gardening — but you don’t need chemicals to fight them. Check out my post on Natural Pest Control for the Home Garden. Safe, Effective Ways to Protect Your Crops!
Natural pest tips for beginners:
- Plant marigolds, nasturtiums, and basil to repel pests.
- Hand-pick bugs like squash bugs and cabbage worms.
- Use floating row covers on brassicas (cabbage, broccoli).
- Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap if needed.
Personal tip: My morning coffee walk includes checking for pests — daily patrols catch problems early.
8. How Do I Know When to Harvest?
It’s different for every crop, but bigger isn’t always better.
General harvest tips:
- Lettuce & spinach – Pick young leaves for best flavor.
- Zucchini – Pick small (6-8 inches) to avoid tough skins.
- Tomatoes – Harvest when fully colored and slightly soft.
- Carrots – Tug gently to check size.
- Beans – Pick before pods bulge.
Personal tip: Don’t stress — taste-testing in the garden is the best way to learn!
9. What Happens if I Plant Too Close Together?
Crowded plants compete for water, nutrients, and sunlight — they grow slower, get leggy, and are more prone to disease.
Easy spacing rules:
- Tomatoes – 18-24 inches apart.
- Lettuce – 6-8 inches apart.
- Bush beans – 6 inches apart.
- Zucchini – 24-36 inches apart.
Personal tip: Use a ruler or stick when planting until you get a feel for proper spacing.
10. What’s the Biggest Mistake New Gardeners Make?
Trying to do too much, too fast.
It’s tempting to plant everything all at once, but that’s the fastest way to get overwhelmed. Start small — a 4×8 raised bed or a few containers — and grow as you learn.
My first garden was 5 beds too many. Now I start small, grow smart, and actually enjoy my garden (instead of stressing over it).
Gardening is a learning process you will kill plants, you will forget to water, drip systems are a life saver and some bugs will win. But every mistake is part of becoming a better gardener. Start small, ask questions (even the silly ones), and enjoy the ride. Your future self sitting down to a homegrown salad will thank you.
Check out my favorite Gardening tools here!
Happy Growing
Linnea