The Shadow
BLACKSBURG, Va. (VR) —Whether yearning for a grand outdoor oasis or simply a few vegetable plants for the patio, the journey to your dream garden begins with baby steps.
“Start small, and build on your successes,” emphasized Ed Olsen, Virginia Cooperative Extension Master Gardener director and consumer horticulture specialist.
Beginning gardeners with only a windowsill can try growing small container herbs that are readily available at grocery stores year-round, or at local nurseries and garden centers during the growing season.
Aspiring vegetable gardeners should start by scouting for an outdoor spot that gets over 6-8 hours of sunlight per day.
“Container gardens are a great place to start,” Olsen noted. “If you can grow plants in a container on your deck for the summer, then you probably can succeed in moving them out to the yard the next year.”
If you’re looking to beautify your yard with ornamental plants, pick an area for creating a small garden bed to get started with. The spot you pick will help determine which plants to choose.
After selecting your garden’s location, get to know your soil. Gardeners can acquire a soil test kit from their local Extension office and submit a sample to the Virginia Tech Soil Testing Lab.
“Winter is a great time to do a soil test, as long as the ground isn’t frozen,” he added. “That will tell you what your ornamental or vegetable garden will need to make sure you’re starting off with the right nutrients and pH for desired plants.”
Raised beds are another great option for beginners who are unsure about their soil and want quick success. A 4-by-8-foot bed is generally a good size to start with.
After identifying your garden’s location, create a list of desired plants with matching light and soil requirements.
“If you put a plant that likes high light in a shady garden, it’s not going to thrive,” Olsen cautioned. “And typically, you end up with diseases and pest issues when a plant’s struggling to grow in an environment.”
He added that perennial plants are great options for beginner ornamental gardeners—offering “immediate gratification” and extended blooms. Tomatoes and peppers are generally easy to grow and popular options for beginning vegetable gardeners.
For first-time gardeners, Olsen recommends purchasing young plants at garden centers and then replanting them. Starting plants from seed takes a lot of time indoors and can result in more plants than intended.
It’s also important to:
- Space plantings based on the size your plants will grow into—not the size of the container.
- Avoid digging deep holes for planting. The hole should be no bigger than the plant’s container.
- Ensure you’re watering ornamental plants properly the first year for proper establishment.
- Visit pubs.ext.vt.edu to access Extension’s 2026 Pest Management Guide.
- Read more “Gardening 101” tips in Virginia Farm Bureau’s Cultivate magazine.
