Gardening is not about aesthetics.
It is not about how many plants you own.
It is not about recreating what you see on social media.

Gardening is about connection.

Connection to soil.
Connection to food.
Connection to patience.
Connection to yourself.

If you are just getting started, let me guide you gently.

🌱 What To Do When Starting a Garden

1. Start Small

You do not need:

• 20 tomato plants

• 15 pepper varieties

• A full raised bed setup

Start with 3–5 things.

For beginners, I recommend:

• Lettuce

• Basil

• Green beans

• Cherry tomatoes

• Peppers (know they take longer)

Master small. Expand later.

2. Understand Your Light

Before you plant anything, ask:

• How many hours of direct sunlight does this space get?

• Is it morning sun or afternoon sun?

• Is it shaded part of the day?

Most vegetables need 6–8 hours of sunlight.

If you don’t have that? Consider herbs or leafy greens.

Light determines everything.

3. Improve Your Soil

Soil is the foundation.

If your soil is poor:

• Mix in compost

• Add organic matter

• Consider raised beds or containers

Healthy soil = healthy plants.

4. Check Your Plants Daily

Gardening should not be a once-a-week panic session.

Spend 15–30 minutes a day:

• Check for pests

• Feel the soil

• Observe new growth

• Remove dead leaves

Daily attention prevents overwhelming problems.

5. Learn Your Growing Zone

I am in Zone 7b/6a.

Your planting dates matter.

• Peppers need longer warm seasons.

• Squash and cucumbers should not go out too early.

• Corn should be planted when soil is warm.

Patience protects your harvest.

🌿 What NOT To Do

❌ Do Not Start Too Much At Once

Overplanting leads to:

• Burnout

• Wasted seedlings

• Pest overwhelm

• Frustration

Grow what you will actually eat.

❌ Do Not Overwater

Overwatering causes:

• Root rot

• Fungus

• Weak plants

Stick your finger in the soil before watering.
If it’s still moist — wait.

❌ Do Not Compare Your Garden

Comparison steals joy.

You do not need:

• Perfect rows

• Expensive setups

• Rare varieties

Your garden does not need to impress anyone.

It needs to nourish you.

❌ Do Not Ignore Pests

Catch problems early:

• Check the undersides of leaves

• Look for eggs

• Look for chew marks

The earlier you notice, the easier it is to fix.

🌿 Gardening Is a Practice — Not a Performance

You will:

• Lose plants

• Overwater something

• Plant something too early

• Learn lessons

That does not mean you failed.

It means you are growing.

Gardening teaches:

• Patience

• Observation

• Responsibility

• Peace

And if you allow it, it will teach you about yourself.

🌿 Final Thoughts

Start small.
Stay consistent.
Observe daily.
Grow what brings you peace.

Your garden does not have to be perfect.

It just has to be yours.