Pickings from the Library
I hope I know what I’m getting into. Any advice for a total newbie? Book recs? (Is it a bad sign that I sleepwalked through the two plant biology classes I took in college? And giggled at the botany majors behind their backs?)
Jennifer said,
July 15, 2006 at 7:13 pm
I’m a newbie gardener myself. I love it! As an added bonus, we’re only in this house for another year so the hub and I can get our Northerners-in-a-Southern-garden itches out of the way (Azealias, Rhodedendrons, and Hydrangias, Oh My!) and any mistakes get passed on to the next owner. It’s very freeing knowing I’m not stuck with anything and can repeat what I like elsewhere.
I really like Fine Gardening magazine by Tauton Press. I also like the Renegade Gardener site for his attitude. (http://www.renegadegardener.com/) He’s writing about zones 2-4. The BBC also has an excellent set of tutorials on gardening. (http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/how_to_be_a_gardener/) You may also want to look for a gardening by the month book for your area. It will give you an idea of what you can and should be doing each month. Since I’ve just moved to a climate where mowing the lawn in March is a reality instead of a joke, It’s been enormously helpful. Don’t forget your county extension office. They’ll be handy for soil testing and general advice.
You’re better off if you don’t know what you’re getting into! Just put on your gloves and dig. Do as you please. And I always keep reminding myself that I learn more when I make mistakes than when I do it right the first time.
Good luck and have fun!
ruthee said,
July 15, 2006 at 8:15 pm
I have started gardening this summer in containers.
My advise? Expect a lot of failure, but don’t look at it like it is a failure….it is a learning process.
Don’t get discouraged….it is wonderful.
KathyB said,
July 15, 2006 at 9:54 pm
My gardening experiments failed because of an inability on my part to control weeds and a @#$%! groundhog on the premesis. I did, however, experience some good connections with nature there. Um.. don’t spray cayenne onto aphids on a windy day.
meranie said,
July 16, 2006 at 10:05 am
Gardens are fun! Just don’t forget to water them, make sure they have holes in the bottoms so that they don’t drown, and pull off dead or dying leaves (because that helps distribute the energy to the living, or babies!) You’re going to do herbs, yes? Basil is easy, as is rosemary. My mom grew parsley and mint, and I don’t recall either being entirely too high-maintenance. But her basil was never a tree like mine is now! Eek!