Back to the Beginning:What I Wish I Knew Starting My Garden

I met some new friends recently, and our conversation reminded me of when I first started gardening. Looking back, I can still feel the excitement of those early days — the curiosity, the questions, and yes, the failures too. It made me reflect on how things began, the journey since then, and where I am now.

If I were to start again from day one, with no experience (or if my only experience was “RIP” plants), here’s what I would want someone to tell me:

🪴 Choose Plants From the Right Place

Not all plant sources are equal. The big box stores may be convenient, but often their plants aren’t suited for your local climate or season. Instead, look for local nurseries, farmers markets, or trusted growers who know your area. Their plants are usually healthier and better adapted to your environment.

🍅 Grow the Right Crops for the Right Season

One of the first lessons I learned: there’s a big difference between cool-season and warm-season crops.

• Cool-season crops: lettuce, spinach, peas, radishes → thrive in spring and fall.

• Warm-season crops: tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, squash → need summer heat.

Putting the right plant in the right season sets you up for success.

🌱 Learn the Basics, But Experiment Freely

Gardening isn’t about perfection — it’s about learning. Basics like sun, water, soil, and spacing matter. But don’t get stuck thinking there’s only one right way. Every garden is an experiment.

And sometimes? If a plant dies, it’s not your fault. Maybe it was too much shade, too much sun, or simply the wrong plant in the wrong season.

🌍 Seeds Are Everywhere

If you don’t want to buy seed packets, you can still grow food!

• Save seeds from fruits or vegetables you’ve already eaten.

• Collect seeds from nature or a neighbor’s garden (with permission).

• Try sprouting beans, garlic, or potatoes you already have in your kitchen.

And remember, you can grow in just about anything — a pot, a bucket, a raised bed, or even a recycled container.

🌿 Patience Is the Secret Ingredient

The most important lesson I’ve learned? Patience.

Plants don’t follow our schedule. They grow at their own pace. Gardening taught me to slow down, to let nature take the lead, and to see failure as part of the process. Every mistake is just another step toward becoming a better grower.

We’re here to experiment. To try again. To keep learning. And little by little, we grow right alongside our gardens.

✨ If you’re just starting out, my best advice is simple: buy from the right place, match your crops to the season, save seeds, and be patient. Don’t fear failure — it’s part of the journey.

Because at the end of the day, gardening isn’t just about growing plants. It’s about growing yourself.

@foodforestutah

www.foodforestutah.com