Suggestion for helping new gardners?

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mbenson7 River Vale, NJ May 11, 2010

Although I'm not NEW new to gardening, I am still in the early learning stages. I remember first starting out (at my former house) and being absolutely clueless about where to begin and what plants to buy. There was so much information!

Does anyone think it would be a good idea to have a sticky where people could list the plants that they have found to be SUPER beginner-friendly. Those that seem to thrive with little effort and early pay-off?

I found that with a few plants, and I think it really motivated me to truly dive into gardening. My strongest memory is of my salvia. I thought they looked kind of pretty in their tiny little pot at the nursery. Brought them home, dumped them along a sunny portion of my house, and within a couple of months my friends and family were seriously impressed!

Until that time, I'd given up on perennials. I just couldn't handle not knowing if it was worth the time and money. Seeing those salvia bloom so quickly gave me a kick in the butt to start trying new things. Now, I realize that many plants are worth the wait, and I know that most take a year or two to begin coming into their own.

I'm rambling, I realize. But anyway, this was just a thought...

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ejennings San Angelo, TX(Zone 7b) May 12, 2010

Good idea! I have only been successful with a few outdoor plants since moving to Texas from Alabama. I'd love it if I could go to a thread that was for "easy" plants. I've been a member of DG for 3 years and still am learning.

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angedawn47 Lake Charles, LA May 12, 2010

Yes, easy plants to grow. And I would like a list of easy seeds to germinate if possible. I am trying more seeds now as the price of plants and postage is going up.

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smb12321 Franklin, TN May 14, 2010

For beginners, the worst problem is over-planting. I ignored warnings and now spend 75% of my time transplanting plants due to incredible overcrowding. Two tiny mint plants now cover 100 square feet, five Asiatic Lilies are now 40, I can supply Italy with oregano. Mexico with cilantro and my neighborhood with squash. I recommend (1) Judicious spacing, (2) lots of ground cover and mulch and (3) watching local gardens for what works.

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imzadi Jackson, SC(Zone 8a) May 14, 2010

dont mulch up to the plant. thats one of my pet peeves people do. your plant has to breathe. leave about 3 fingers away from plant so it can breathe. plants do have air roots just for this and if cant get air will die. trees are good examples.

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