First Time Gardener? Step Right Up, Get Your Expert Advice Here

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Sandor Katz takes some of the stress out of learning how to garden in his new book, The Revolution Will Not Be Microwaved (available from wildfermentation.com). Here's his advice for beginners:

Anyone can grow plants. There's lots of information out there, more than you could possibly ever read, more than you would want to, and many of the sources contradict each other. Don't worry! Start however you can, find mentors, and let your experience with the plants be your guide. If you stick with it, each year will bring you greater abundance. Certain foods (fruits and nuts) require years to produce; others (such as radishes) take only a few weeks. Plant what suits your tastes and your circumstances. You can grow plants in a tiny yard, in a plot in a community garden, on the roof or fire escape, or guerilla-style in public spaces. Be creative. With a little luck, you may grow old enjoying fruit from trees and bushes you plant now.

Alma Hetch, owner of Second Nature Design, gives this advice (read more in the upcoming May/June issue of Natural Home magazine):

Ask yourself what you want to do with the space. What gardens have you seen that you like? Go to a local arboretum to see how the space is arranged. Visit your local nursery to see what appeals. Walk around your neighborhood. Look at paths, gates, fences, walls, materials and the plants that are healthy. Start collecting materials — I turned my neighbor's basketball hoop into a vine 'halo.' The next time it rains, go stand outside and see how the runoff moves; observe the drainage. Transform a runoff area into a streambed with a rain garden at the foot. Take lots of photographs. Get ideas from magazines. Clip out articles and photos. Remember to be realistic — don't fight nature. Get dirty. Keep your nose to the ground. Plant an apple tree and grow a Meyer lemon by your kitchen door. Have fun!

And I'll offer this advice from personal experience. Do not start your first garden with 14 different kinds of heirloom tomatoes! You won't even be able to give them away fast enough at harvest time!

In addition to all the great books from our gardening experts, check out the following helpful articles:

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