Nine tips for beginner gardeners

Discover your inner green thumb with these expert tips for gardens and indoor plants.

1. Start slow

You won’t learn to cook starting with the toughest recipe in the book. Ease yourself into gardening with some easy-care indoor plants or vegetables.

“Indoor plants are a great way for beginner gardeners to get used to caring for plants away from outdoor weather extremes,” says Courtney Stevens, buyer at The Greenery Garden Centre and exhibitor at the 2016 Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show.

Vegetables and herbs such as baby spinach, loose leaf lettuce, spring onions and basil are all easy and quick to grow from seed or seedlings.  

“For beginner (and potentially impatient) gardeners, it’s so rewarding to be able to start picking produce within a matter of weeks,” says Angie Thomas, expert horticulturist at Yates.

Using natural products will ensure your produce remains healthy and fit for consumption.

“Follow organic gardening methods, which basically means you don’t use chemical sprays or fertilisers in your garden and instead choose organic fertilisers and garden products,” says Cath Manuel, founder of Soil to Supper.

A wise idea for beginners is to keep plants in an easy to access spot you’ll look at regularly.

“If you see a plant every day, you are much more likely to notice problems and successes early and you will also learn about the cycles of gardening,” says author and gardener Cheralyn Darcey.

2. Invest in the basics

“Gardening is more about having fun than fancy tools but you will need some basics to get started,” says Johanna Seton, vice president of marketing at hipages.

For compact gardens, it’s worth investing in a watering can, gloves, hand trowel and small shovel, and for larger gardens, a wheelbarrow, rake and secateurs.

“Make sure you try the tools before you buy – they need to be comfortable in the hand,” Seton says. 

Manuel recommends keeping a stash of takeaway containers filled with organic fertilisers (contents clearly marked on container), organic liquid plant food, a bag of quality organic potting mix (“don’t buy the cheap stuff”), a few pots or containers to plant in, and packets of organic seeds.  

“These goodies will be on hand if you find yourself heading outside when you have a few moments [to garden] or need time to relax.”

Plant stands by Ivy Muse. Styling by Alana Langan. Photo by Annette O’Brien

3. Plant in healthy soil

“Healthy soil is the best thing you can do for your garden and your plants,” Manuel says.

“Start by adding compost or aged manure to your soil, give it a good watering and cover in a natural mulch.”

Stevens says mulch is an often overlooked but important element of any modern garden.

“Mulch is something beginner gardeners may not know too much about, but it plays an important part in water conservation,” Stevens says.

“Apply a good layer of mulch to bedded areas in spring and autumn as it stops soil drying out, keeps it moist and can dramatically reduce watering.”

4. Choose plants wisely

“Choosing a plant is like choosing a pet. Different plants require different amounts of care and it’s important to find a plant that suits your lifestyle,” says Charlie Lawler, Director of Loose Leaf.

Selecting the “right” plant also depends on the climate and the amount of light available.

“If you live in a cool climate, choose plants to suit cooler temperatures, or for warmer regions of subtropical or tropical climates choose tropical-style plants,” Manuel says.

Until you’re a seasoned green thumb, it’s best to opt for low-maintenance species.

“Devil’s ivy is one of our favourites– a beautiful romantic-looking vine that’s very hardy and evergreen,” says Alana Langan, co-founder of Ivy Muse.

“As well as looking amazing, it’s known for its air purifying qualities [and it’s a] great communicator too – its leaves begin to curl when it really needs water so its a great choice for those who are learning the ropes.”

Native species are also an ideal option for beginners.

“Not only will they require less care and water, but you will be helping to sustain local wildlife like insects and birds,” Seton says.

5. Water with care

One of the most common mistakes made with house plants is over watering.

“A lot of indoor plants like to be allowed to dry out between waters,” Lawler says.

According to Langan, the easiest way to check whether a plant needs water is to use your finger.

“Place your finger in the soil at the base of the plant (up to the second knuckle is good) and then remove,” Langan says.

“If it feels dry, it needs water. If there’s soil stuck to your finger and it feels wet, it’s fine for another day or two.”

Plant stands by Ivy Muse. Styling by Alana Langan. Photo by Annette O’Brien

6. Location is everything

Choosing an appropriate location for your plants is vital to their survival.

“When picking the appropriate plant for different rooms in your house, it’s good to think of your home as a series of microclimates and to pick plants based on this,” Lawler says.

“For example, a hot north-facing windowed room in Australia might resemble similar condition to a dry arid region, therefore [it’s best to] pick a plant that suits those conditions [such as] a cactus or succulent.”

Be mindful not to move indoor plants too often, and ensure they’re kept away from any drafts.

“Generally indoor plants do no cope well with extreme changes in condition,” Lawler says.

“Particularly in summer, it’s advised to keep plants away from direct air conditioning air flow and in winter avoid having plants in cool drafts or to close to direct heaters.”

Some outdoor pots such as terracotta styles are also susceptible to overheating during the warmer weather. To avoid this issue, it’s recommend to water plants both morning and evening to prevent them from drying out.

“If this isn’t an option, you can always line the pots with plastic or an empty compost bag with holes to keep the moisture in for longer,” says Mehmet Dereboylu, Owner of Westlake Nursery.

7. Get social

Fast track your gardening education with help from a nearby community group.

“Learn all the tricks and tips from the old hands while you make new mates ­and before you know it you will have green fingers just like them,” Seton says.

A quick chat to the neighbours about their endeavours can also save hours of time in the long run.

“Begin with what is already working in your area and you might get a bit of mentoring from your neighbours as well, not to mention making new friends,” Darcey says.

8. Don’t hold back

If all these tips already have you feeling exhausted already, don’t despair.

“Don’t forgo having plants in your home simply because you’re be afraid you’ll ‘kill them’,” Langan says.

“If you’re getting your plant care wrong (too much water, too much sun) the plant will tell you – you just have to pay attention and learn what works best for it.”

Plant stands by Ivy Muse. Styling by Alana Langan. Photo by Annette O’Brien

9…But if you’re really struggling, call in a pro

If you need some advice or are feeling a little out of your depth, you can always call on the experts.

“We all have failures, bad seasons, bad years,” Darcey says. 

“There is no such thing as a brown thumb; you just haven’t gotten those hands out into the garden enough to turn green.”

Try a landscaper or specialised service like a tree surgeon if issues with your garden persist.

“They will not only have the expertise but all the right equipment for your job,” Seton says.