The days are getting longer and the temperatures warmer, so it’s perfect gardening weather! Since the pandemic, nearly two-thirds of UK adults have developed a green thumb and are reaping the benefits of spending time in the garden. From growing your own vegetables to experiencing boosted well-being, the reasons to start gardening are endless.

But if you’ve never grown anything before and are doubting your abilities, this guide will put your mind at ease. With a few key tips and the right TLC, anyone can cultivate a thriving nursery of flowers, vegetables and other greenery.

Essential Gardening Tools and Their Uses

Depending on the size of your garden, you will probably need these tools:

  • Hand Trowel for digging small holes, transplanting seedlings, and removing weeds.
  • Pruning Shears (Secateurs) for trimming and shaping plants, cutting back perennials, and harvesting fruits or vegetables.
  • Garden Fork for loosening, lifting, and turning over soil, and breaking up compacted dirt.
  • Spade for digging, edging, lifting sod, and moving soil.
  • Garden Hoe for weeding and cultivating the soil without bending over
  • Watering Can or Hose for watering plants, especially in areas where a hose cannot reach.
  • Garden Gloves for protecting hands from thorns, dirt, and blisters.
  • Wheelbarrow for moving heavy soil, compost, plants, and garden debris.
  • Rake for levelling soil, gathering leaves, and removing debris.
jojo watering in the garden and not staged in the slightest

Plants need watering regularly

Water Wisely

One of the most common reasons for poorly performing plants is inefficient watering, but with outdoor specimens, you also need to plan for rainfall. Your best bet is to water early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce evaporation and ensure maximum water absorption.

You can use a drip irrigation system or soaker hoses to deliver water directly to the roots. If you’re worried about consistency, some plant species don’t require much water, which may be a better option.

Of course in the era of smart technology, I use a Woox smart sprinkler. It connects at the tap, with the facility to switch the water flow off and on. Via the Tuaya smart app, I can set a daily timer up in summer, which is smart enough to skip the schedule if it’s rained.

Provide Sun and Protection

All plants need access to sunlight so you need to carefully plan out where you going to plant your flower bulbs and seeds for the best results. Too much light exposure can cause leaves to become pale or brown and die, while too little will limit growth and turn leaves white.

Some florae require more sun than others so plant these in accordance with their needs. Many perennials and tropicals like wax begonia and coral bells thrive in the shade and produce vibrant blooms. Dahlias, chrysanthemums, and marigolds, however, need direct sunlight.

Luckily, most plants you buy have planting directions clearly labelled, ensuring anything you plant will live a long and happy life. Unless it’s an annual plant that lives for just a season. On that note, you do need to understand the difference between an evergreen (doesn’t die back), perennial (which die back in autumn and return in spring much like leaves on a tree), and annuals (that completes its life cycle, within one growing season and dies). A good balance means less blank spots in the garden in winter.

Beginner-friendly plants would depend on your soil type, but tomatoes and courgettes are incredibly easy to start getting those fingers green. You can even grow them directly out of bags on your balcony. All you need is one tomato, dry the seeds, place into small pots and put onto your window sill indoors to germinate, and move outside once they have grown big enough to withstand any cold morning.

checking for pests

Snails and slugs are part of the ecosystem, but will eat your plants

Monitor For Pests and Disease

You have less control over any visitors to your outdoor plants as they are exposed to the elements at all times. Helpful pollinators such as bees are great for boosting your harvest while insects such as ladybugs will eat any damaging pests.

Aphids and slugs on the other hand will eat your plants and cause disease in some cases. Inspect your garden regularly for any signs of them as heat can exacerbate these issues. You can also use organic pesticides or natural remedies like neem oil to control infestations.

Fertilise Appropriately

For optimal soil conditions, use a slow-release fertiliser. This will provide a steady supply of nutrients throughout the summer. Compost and organic matter can help improve soil structure and fertility while enhancing water retention and root growth.

There are pitfalls to over-fertilising your plants too. There is a limit to how much nutrients any specimen can absorb, leading it to build up in the soil and severely impact its ability to absorb water.