When we first moved into our house, one of the things I was most excited about was planting a garden. I’m still very much a beginner, but last year I was able to harvest a few things (peas, green beans, raspberries, and some herbs), which was extremely rewarding. This year, I’m growing even more! We also have big plans to build some raised beds on the sunny side of our house, which I’m hopeful will mean even more successful gardening. (Our beds are in less-than-ideal spots currently – but preparing for a garden is one of the projects on our list for this year!) I’ve loved learning as I go, and I’ve put together a list of the gardening resources that have been most helpful for me as a beginner.
The Best Gardening Resources for Beginners
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People to Follow
Nicole Burke from Gardenary (Instagram, Podcast, Website)
I love the way Nicole teaches important concepts in such simple ways. I learn really well from her style of teaching, and would wholeheartedly recommend her book, classes, and podcast! She’s also a great follow on Instagram, especially if you love looking at beautifully landscaped gardens. She teaches a lot about plant families, which I have found SO helpful! While her gardens tend to be expensive, she teaches a ton of information that would be helpful for anyone, regardless of gardening style.
Luke Marion from MIGardener (YouTube)
I’ve started following Luke, founder of MIGardener, on YouTube this past year and have learned a lot! This YouTube channel is a great source of information, especially for tips for growing specific plants. If you’re interested in more affordable gardens, he has a few videos on how to set up beds very inexpensively and how to grow food without spending much money.
Kyle Hagerty from Urban Farmstead (Instagram, YouTube)
Kyle from Urban Farmstead is a new follow for me, but I’ve been enjoying his beautiful images and (more importantly) helpful tutorials. He also has a YouTube channel, and his recent series on setting up a garden is really great! His Instagram is stunning and packed with information on planting, growing, harvesting, and storing vegetables.
Books
Square Foot Gardening
This was the first garden book I read and the one that really got me interested in gardening. The square foot gardening method described in the book is great for beginners! It’s simple, inexpensive, and easy to follow. I’ve had good results so far, and appreciate that the book makes gardening seem accessible to anyone (“green thumb” or not). If you want to get started with gardening, this is a must-read! (Pictured above is the second edition, but the newest edition is even better!)
Animal, Vegetable, Miracle
This book is more inspirational rather than instructional. However, it’s a fantastic read if you’re interested in the slow-food movement, growing your own food, or listening to tales from the garden. This non-fiction book follows author Barbara Kingsolver and her family on their journey to grow their own food for a year. A similar book, the Quarter Acre Farm, is also great for realizing how much you can grow in even a small space!
The Vegetable Gardener’s Bible
I’m currently reading this book (the e-book, which is why it isn’t pictured above), and have been learning a lot. It contains a lot of help for pest and disease management and good information on in-ground planting if that is to your liking. The book contains a real wealth of information and I’m sure it’s one that I’ll be referring to for years to come!
Kitchen Garden Revival
This is the newest gardening book I bought and it is beautiful! Nicole Burke (mentioned above) just released this book on kitchen gardening. The book is heavy on set-up information, which is great for beginners and anyone wanting to make their garden more beautiful. The book breaks down the plant families and shows you how to garden according to a plant’s needs, which I’ve found enormously helpful.
Supplies and Tools
Local Garden Center(s)
Your local garden center is a great resource for figuring out what plants work in your area, for asking questions to a real person, and for getting personal recommendations. I also love supporting garden centers over big-box stores. (The plants and seeds at garden centers tend to be higher quality, in my experience). If you’re in the North Hills/Pittsburgh area, I would recommend Hahn Nursery and Best Feeds Garden Center.
Seeds
Two companies that I’ve personally bought from are Baker Creek Seeds and Lake Valley Seeds (available at my local garden center). I’ve had good results with both and especially with Baker Creek (almost 100% germination!). A few other companies I’ve seen recommended but haven’t personally tried are High-Mowing Seeds, Seed Savers Exchange, and MIGardener.
Barebones Living Tools
I don’t have many gardening tools (I don’t need much), but I love my Barebones Living hand tools. They’re beautiful and high-quality, and I expect them to last for years. I have their spade and garden scissors, and their hori hori and cultivator are on my wish list! (These would also make great gifts for a gardener in your life; I’ve been really impressed by the quality!)
Gardening Facebook Groups
I’ve joined a number of Facebook groups the past few months, and they’ve been a great source of help and information! I’d suggest joining a local group if you have one. Local, experienced gardeners can be a great source of help and advice, and should understand your climate and conditions.
I hope these gardening resources are as helpful to you as they’ve been to me! Gardening is such a fun learning experience, and it’s great to know that there’s lots of help out there as I continue to grow my gardening skills. I often post garden updates in my Instagram stories, so follow along there if you’re interested in my (very inexperienced) garden journey!
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