13 Things I Wish Someone Told Me When I Started Gardening

Okay, this title and blog post are not mine, but it reminds me of my humble start and all the things I’ve learned (and mistakes I’ve made). Find the link to the piece below. But first, I have my own to the list of things I wish someone had told me.

1. It’s all about the soil.
2. Mulch, mulch, mulch.
3. Plant what you like to eat.
4. There’s no need to “double-dig” garden beds.
5. Grow flowers with your vegetables to attract beneficial insects.
6. Start small and never plant 24 staked tomato plants in your small suburban garden.
7. Two foot high raised beds are easier on the knees. Mine took a beating and I had a total knee replacement a few years ago.

13 Things I Wish Someone Told Me When I Started Gardening

What would you add to this list? Add a comment.

Use the mulch you have at hand—dried grass clippings, crunched leaves, pine needles.

Oh zinnias! Beneficials and butterflies come.