From Turf to Garden: Home Gardening for Beginners
By Hannah Filos
A major trend right now is ‘getting back to a simpler time.’ This is especially true when it comes to how we use the land we own or rent. More and more of us are drawn to home gardening and creating lush outdoor spaces.
But for some, this doesn’t seem doable. A beautiful, functional yard garden can feel like something only people with excess time or money can accomplish. But if you put your mind to it, almost anyone with even a small yard can make their outdoor space useful and beautiful.
Create a Plan
The first step to creating a garden from scratch, as with most things, is making a plan. Write a list of all the things you wish your yard could be. You might include vegetables, herbs, flowers, birdbaths, large pots, or raised beds. Dream big! Even if you're a renter, giant pots and certain types of raised beds can be transferred when you move.
Next, create a calendar for yourself. Start with a one-year plan, giving yourself a project each month. In a year, you’ll have 12 completed projects! This might not sound like a lot, but even if every project is just one new plant in the ground, it will be a huge change from a yard full of turf.
Once you've chosen your projects, break each down into smaller tasks. These may be tasks you work on for 30 minutes every night, or weekend projects that you spend a few hours on at a time. Either way, this will allow you to make progress without getting overwhelmed.
Everyone’s calendar will look different, but here is an example you can use as a template:
Jan. Project: Decide whether to plant in the ground or in pots. I chose pots!
Buy or collect large and small planters.*
Start up a compost bucket (there's no reason to wait!).
Feb. Project: Design!
Draw your yard and where you want your planters. Start placing them around your yard.
Get your soil and collect small tools like a spade and snips.*
Mar. Project: Collect plants!
Start getting your seeds, cuttings, tubers etc. in order.**
Start planting what you can in early spring.
Apr. Project: Upgrade your garden layout.
Draw your yard again, this time adding any walkways, fences, or other hardscapes you want to create in the future.
Collect stones or bricks to create that classic garden path look. A pine straw path can also be an affordable start.
This is a great time to get dirty. Grab a shovel and start taking out the turf where you want your paths.
Lay down your paths (this may take time, don't rush it).
May Project: Hone in on your plants.
Keep collecting seeds and plants where you can.**
Focus on weeding, fertilizing if needed, making lists of plants you want to get, and daydreaming about the future of your garden.
Assess which plants are working and which aren't. Research plants similar to the ones you have luck with! You'll want more of those.
Jun. Project: Groundcover.
Find groundcover vines, junipers, etc. that can replace the old, needy turf grass. These will give you a more old-school garden feel.
Plant these in your yard in small amounts. They'll spread over time with care.
Jul. Project: Make your garden feel like home.
Spend time finding birdbaths, birdhouses, hummingbird feeders, and wind chimes.
Decorate your garden in a way that feels like you, and be sure to install things correctly so they won't fall or break.
Aug. Project: Start a second round of planting space.
Find more planters, or get into the ground itself, and get to work cultivating larger plants that will last through the years.
Make lists of plants that should be planted later in the year, and make a dream board of future plants that you can't afford yet.
Sept. Project: Mulching.
Now that you have some groundcover plans, create some mulch beds from wood chips or pine straw to keep weeds from growing around your pots and plants.
Oct. Project: Update your seasonal plants.
Take out any annual plants that are sad or dead, and replace them with new seeds or seedlings.
Before planting, make use of that compost bucket and amend your soil to help your winter plants get what they need.
Nov. Project: Organizing
Find a special spot for all those seed packets, gloves, spades, and unused pots. Store them neatly so that when spring rolls around you're unphased by the clutter!
Donate any plastic pots that your plants came in if you don't plan to reuse them.
Dec. Project: Plan your calendar!
It's time to make a plan for next year! You now have a garden where there used to be none. Start thinking about what, if anything, could make the space better.
Write yourself a list, and give yourself a pat on the back! You deserve it.
If you have questions about starting your home garden, you can email me at hannahrfilos@gmail.com and I would be happy to talk with you about all things plants!
*Thrift stores, yard sales, estate sales, and seasonal sales at stores are great places to find these items you otherwise might not afford.
**Most people who grow plants love to share! Find local gardeners through Facebook groups and flea/farmers markets. Try to find people who will not only share seeds and plants, but also knowledge! This will prove more valuable than anything.
