Introduction: How to Start Gardening

Have you ever felt overwhelmed as you think about how to start gardening or kicking off a new garden season? There are so many questions, options and methods; it can feel like you are lost in a lush jungle of options and questions:

• Do I start seeds or buy them from a store or a greenhouse?

• Should I till up your yard and plant in native soil or build raised beds?

• Should I use Square Foot Gardens, Rain Gutter Grow Systems, Wicking Beds or Root Pouches?

• How should I orient my beds (north-south vs. east-west)?

• Can I put a garden in a shaded spot?

• What soil mix should I use for my raised beds?

• Am I going to have an organic garden by using compost or use fertilizers or both?

• How far do I space my garden beds from each other?

• How close should I put the plants in my garden beds?

• What are these pests (bugs, birds or four-legged animals) and how do I stop them eating my plants?

• How can I reduce weeding and the work involved in gardening?

• Why bother? I never remember to water my plants and kill everything I touch!

If you feel this way, this new How to Start Gardening Series is for you. I am designing this series for people starting from scratch and with a clean canvas. My goal is to reduce the confusion and help you successfully grow plants and vegetables.