How to become a great gardener

If you’re aiming to become an exceptional gardener, it’s entirely achievable. It’s actually quite simple. Here are 10 steps you can take to reach that goal.

1.Take classes

The flower shows are kicking off, featuring classes with speakers chosen for their expertise and life experiences. While it’s enjoyable to stroll through the aisles, shopping and admiring the blooms, remember to take a break. Sit down, attend an interesting talk, and bring a notebook to jot down insights.

2.Read good gardening books

Sure, the internet is full of people eager to share their knowledge, but books published by reputable publishers offer a level of reliability that online sources might not. On a chilly February day, visit a bookstore and spend some time in the gardening section. Pick out a book to bring home with you.

3.Improve your soil

You might not be able to tackle this right now, but come spring, consider ways to enhance your soil. Adding compost or aged manure is a great method for improving soil quality, while chemical fertilizers offer only a temporary solution.

Years ago, I transformed a bramble-filled field by my brook into a vegetable garden. I manually cleared the brush, mowed it, and removed the roots. However, the key to success was bringing in truckloads of aged manure from a local farmer. I incorporated it into the soil and repeated the process each year. Now, my soil is rich and dark, and my potatoes have repeatedly named me their favorite gardener!

4.Pay attention

Being a skilled gardener involves dedicating plenty of time to your garden and paying close attention to its details. Are there insects laying eggs on the underside of the leaves? If so, are they beneficial or harmful? Are your new tomato transplants showing signs of dehydration by Day 2? You might not initially recognize dehydration symptoms, but gardening isn’t rocket science. With observation and patience, you can learn to identify and address these issues.

5.Go on garden tours

Many garden clubs host tours of their members’ top gardens during the summer. Join a garden club now to attend lectures and slide shows, and then take advantage of the “Open Garden” events in the summer. Observe mature tree specimens, ask questions, and learn who did their stonework or which local nursery has the best perennials. If you need gardening assistance, don’t hesitate to ask your host for recommendations.

6.Learn to plant seeds

Start seedlings indoors in flats and care for them until you can transplant them outside in late spring. Growing plants from seeds offers several benefits: First, successfully nurturing seedlings boosts your confidence. Seeing a tomato you grew from a seed can make you feel like a dedicated gardener, which is quite rewarding.

Second, starting from seeds lets you grow many more plants at a lower cost. Creating an English cottage garden can be pricey if you buy mature perennials at $10 each. Last year, I planted a packet of hollyhock seeds and had a 100 percent germination rate, resulting in 32 hollyhocks for just $3. They will bloom in their second year, and I’m excited to see them this season.