1. Site it right.
Starting a garden is just like real estate, it's all about location. Place your garden in a part of your yard where
you'll see it regularly (out of sight, out of mind definitely applies to gardening). That way, you'll be much more
likely to spend time in it.
2. Follow the sun.
Misjudging sunlight is a common pitfall when you're first learning to garden. Pay attention to how sunlight plays
through your yard before choosing a spot for your garden. Most edible plants, including many vegetables, herbs, and
fruits, need at least 6 hours of sun in order to thrive.
3. Stay close to water.
One of the best gardening tips you'll ever get is to plan your new garden near a water source. Make sure you can run a
hose to your garden site, so you don't have to lug water to it each time your plants get thirsty. The best way to tell
if plants need watering is to push a finger an inch down into the soil (that's about one knuckle deep). If it's dry,
it's time to water.
4. Start with great soil.
When starting a garden, one of the top pieces of advice is to invest in soil that is nutrient-rich and well-drained.
Achieve this just-right blend by mixing 3 inches of Miracle-Gro® All Purpose Garden Soil into the top 6 to 8 inches of
existing soil if you're planning to plant in the ground. If you're planting in a raised bed, use Nature's Care Organic
Raised Bed Soil, which is the perfect weight and texture for raised bed growing.
5. Consider containers.
When space is at a premium, look to containers. You can grow many plants in pots, including vegetables, herbs, flowers,
fruit trees, berries, and shrubs. When gardening in containers, use a pot that's large enough for the plant it's
hosting, and fill it with Miracle-Gro® Moisture Control® Potting Mix. Not only is it specially formulated to help plants
in pots thrive, but it also helps protect against over- and under-watering.