Gardening is an incredibly rewarding and satisfying hobby, regardless of your experience level. Whether you’re a total beginner or you’ve gardened your whole life, there are always new tips and techniques to learn. Gardening for beginners can be intimidating; there’s a lot to consider when starting out.

Luckily, there are a few essential tips that will help you get started and grow your own beautiful garden. Here are seven tips for gardening for beginners:

1. Start small. Before you begin digging or planting, decide how much space you’re willing to commit to a garden and plan accordingly. You can always expand later, so don’t worry about committing too much space if you’re feeling uncomfortable about the size.

2. Choose the right plants. Research what plants are best for the area you’re in and make sure your garden isn’t overcrowded. You want to give your plants plenty of room and make sure they’re in the correct environment.

3. Prepare the soil. Before you begin planting, take the time to prepare the soil. This can include digging, amending, and/or adding compost to the soil. Make sure to till the soil several times to aerate it, as well.

4. Water regularly. Make sure you’re giving your garden enough water and adjust watering schedules as needed. Too much or too little can be damaging to your plants.

5. Mulch, mulch, mulch! Not only is mulch aesthetically pleasing, it’s also important for keeping soil temperatures, moisture, and weed levels in check.

6. Thin and prune. Periodically, you’ll want to thin and prune your plants to encourage healthy growth and prevent overcrowding.

7. Take notes. Keeping a garden journal will help you keep track of your successes and failures, allowing you to tweak and refine your gardening skills over time.

Gardening doesn’t have to be overwhelming; following these tips can guarantee a successful start to your gardening journey. Happy planting!