How to Start a New Garden

Planting

Teasing the Roots.

Photo: © Marie Iannotti (2008) licensed to About.com, Inc.

• Water the plants in their pots the day before you intend to plant.

• Don't remove all the plants from their pots and leave them sitting in the sun for the roots to dry out.

• If the roots are densely packed or growing in a circle, tease them apart, as shown in the photo, so they will stretch out and grow into the surrounding soil.

• Bury the plant to the depth it was in the pot. Too deep and the stem will rot. Too high and the roots will dry out.

• Don't press down hard on the plants as you cover them. Watering will settle them into the ground.

• Water your newly planted garden as soon as it is planted and make sure it gets at least one inch of water per week. You may have to water more often in hot dry summers. Let your plants tell you how much water they need. Some wilting in noonday sun is normal. Wilting in the evening is stress.

• Start Small
• Evaluate and Choose a Site
• How's the Soil?
• Prepare the Bed
• Choosing What You'd Like to Grow
• Planting
• Mulch
• Label Your Plants and Keep Garden Records
• Garden Maintenance - What to Expect
• Enjoy! You've Created Your First Garden.