No surprise here—plants need sunlight! Some plants will need more than others. Plants convert energy from the sun into their tissues—this process is known as photosynthesis. Essentially, plants feed off of sunlight and turn it into growth. Some plants will thrive better indoors or in a significant amount of shade, whereas others will need more direct sun exposure to grow.
Plants need regular watering—but the amount of water they will need will be dependent on a few things. Certain plants will need more water than others. The climate your garden is in and the season of the year will also make a difference. For example, plants will typically need more water in the heat of the summer than in the dead of winter. The humidity in your climate will also impact your plants’ water intake. Be sure you know your plants’ needs—over-watering can be just as deadly to a plant as under-watering.
Plants need optimum temperatures to thrive. Extreme weather can be detrimental to your garden. Certain plants will be more impacted by the weather, whereas others are more durable. Plants that have strong roots will be more durable through heat and cold than a new seedling. If you’ve recently planted seed, you’ll need to be more protective of it.
The location of your garden will impact what it needs to thrive. For example, an indoor garden will have different needs than an outdoor garden. What is the soil you’re planting in? Ground soil, a raised box or container, and a potted plant will all have different needs. Containers and raised boxes tend to dry out quicker, whereas potted plants and ground soil retain moisture for longer.
Before you get going, determine how much time you are willing to spend on your garden. Plants require regular time. If you’re new to gardening, you may want to start small. You can always grow your garden out and add to it later on. Consider starting with a plant or two and if all goes all, continuously add on. But know that the bigger the garden, the more time consuming it will be to manage.
What kind of plants are you hoping to harvest? Do you want a floral or shrubbery garden that puts the rest of your neighborhood to shame? OR are you hoping to produce food from your garden? Vegetable, fruit, and herb gardens can provide the satisfaction of growing your own food to eat. Keep in mind that most food plants will provide a significant amount of that particular food item. So, don’t plan a zucchini plant unless you are prepared for zucchini all summer long.
A small herb garden can be a great place to start for a beginner. They don’t take up much space, don’t require too much maintenance, and they are simple. Plus, you can always use fresh herbs in your food!