Things you must know when planting your first garden...

Things to Do:

1. Choose the Right Location: Select a spot with at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day and good drainage.
2. Prepare the Soil: Test your soil's pH and amend it with compost or organic matter as needed.
3. Plan Your Garden Layout: Sketch out where you'll plant each vegetable, considering their space requirements and companion planting.
4. Select Vegetables Wisely: Start with easy-to-grow vegetables like tomatoes, lettuce, carrots, and radishes.
5. Start with Seedlings or Seeds: Decide whether you'll start from seeds or buy seedlings from a nursery.
6. Water Regularly: Ensure consistent watering, especially during dry spells. Aim for the soil to be consistently moist but not waterlogged.
7. Mulch Your Garden: Mulch helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
8. Fertilize Appropriately: Use organic fertilizers or compost to provide nutrients to your plants.
9. Stay on Top of Weeds: Regularly weed your garden to prevent them from competing with your vegetables for nutrients and water.
10. Monitor for Pests and Diseases: Keep an eye out for signs of pests and diseases and take appropriate action promptly.
11. Support Your Plants: Use cages, stakes, or trellises to support vining plants like tomatoes, cucumbers, and beans.
12. Harvest Regularly: Harvest vegetables when they're ripe to encourage further production.
13. Rotate Crops: Rotate your crops each year to prevent soil depletion and minimize pest and disease buildup.

Things to Avoid:

1. Overcrowding: Planting too close together can lead to competition for resources and poor growth.
2. Overwatering or Underwatering: Find the right balance to avoid water-related issues like root rot or wilting.
3. Ignoring Pest and Disease Signs: Ignoring early signs of pests or diseases can lead to widespread infestations or crop loss.
4. Using Chemical Pesticides and Herbicides: Chemical pesticides and herbicides can harm beneficial insects and pollinators. Opt for organic pest control methods whenever possible.
5. Planting Invasive Species: Research the plants you're considering to ensure they're not invasive in your area.
6. Neglecting Soil Health: Soil health is crucial for plant growth. Avoid using synthetic fertilizers that can harm soil biology.
7. Planting Too Much Too Soon: Start with a manageable garden size to avoid becoming overwhelmed.
8. Planting Out of Season: Make sure you're planting vegetables at the appropriate times for your climate zone.
9. Not Learning from Mistakes: Gardening involves trial and error. Learn from your mistakes and adapt your approach accordingly.
10. Ignoring Companion Planting: Some plants benefit from being planted together, while others inhibit each other's growth. Research companion planting to maximize your garden's productivity.
11. Forgetting to Mulch: Mulch helps conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Skipping mulching can lead to increased water usage and weed growth.
12. Skipping Soil Testing: Understanding your soil's pH and nutrient levels is essential for successful gardening. Don't skip soil testing before planting.
13. Not Planning for Pests and Diseases: Have a plan in place for dealing with common garden pests and diseases before they become a problem.