Gardening Tips

Here's an overview of the principles that guide my gardening practices.

Core Gardening Principles

Start Small, Think Big

Begin with what you can manage well. A thriving small garden beats an overwhelming large one every time.

Observe Before Acting

The best gardeners spend time watching their space—understanding sun patterns, water flow, and existing ecosystems.

Work With Nature

Choose plants suited to your climate and conditions rather than fighting against them.

Practical Tips I've Learned

Soil Health

• Feed the soil, not just the plants: Healthy soil creates healthy plants
• Compost everything: Kitchen scraps become garden gold
• Mulch generously: Retains moisture and suppresses weeds

Water Wisdom

• Water deeply, less frequently: Encourages deep root growth
• Morning watering: Reduces disease and evaporation
• Drip irrigation: Saves water and targets roots

Plant Selection

• Native plants: Require less maintenance and support local wildlife
• Companion planting: Some plants help each other thrive
• Succession planting: Stagger plantings for continuous harvest

Specific Plant Knowledge

• Tomatoes Self Pollinate - Understanding tomato reproduction
• Raised Beds - Benefits of elevated growing spaces
• Indoor Plant Soil - Special considerations for container gardening

Seasonal Considerations

Spring

• Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost
• Prepare beds by adding compost
• Prune dormant plants before growth begins

Summer

• Mulch to conserve moisture
• Harvest regularly to encourage production
• Watch for pests and diseases

Fall

• Plant garlic and overwinter crops
• Collect seeds from heirloom varieties
• Add leaves to compost bins

Winter

• Plan next year's garden
• Order seeds early
• Maintain tools and equipment

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overwatering: More plants die from too much water than too little
2. Planting too early: Frost can devastate tender seedlings
3. Ignoring spacing: Crowded plants compete and underperform
4. Forgetting to harvest: Regular picking encourages more production

Related Resources

• Garden Planning - Strategic approach to garden design
• Garden Maintenance Routine - Keeping your garden thriving
• SF Terraced Garden Transformation Guide - Real-world application
• Gardening - Complete gardening knowledge map

Remember: Every garden is different, and the best teacher is experience. These tips are starting points—adapt them to your unique space and conditions.