Don’t Let Excuses Keep You From Gardening!

Tiles spelling Stop Making Excuses

For all you wanna-be gardeners out there, don’t let these excuses keep you from gardening this Spring!

Afterall, gardening is about growing your own special place of peace and beauty.

Not only does gardening provide a lot of happiness and benefits, but it allows you to be outside, to relax, and to feel proud when you see your plants grow.

Spring is here, and it’s the perfect time to start a garden! Yet, you might find yourself hesitating, held back by a list of reasons not to start gardening.

Not to worry, it’s normal for many people just like you to feel overwhelmed by excuses not to begin. Whether it’s a lack of knowledge, space, time, or fear of failure, these excuses can seem like invincible obstacles.

But here’s some good news! I’m here to guide you through those barriers!

Together, we’ll explore options and discover ways to overcome these excuses. No matter what your situation is, we’ll look at how you can start gardening.

So roll up your sleeves, and let’s get you ready to make your garden happen this spring, one small step at a time!

Table of Contents

Overcoming Gardening Excuses: Yes, You Can Grow!

An older man with thumbs up "yes you can grow"
A man showing his approval, encouragement

1: “I Don’t Have a Green Thumb”

Perhaps you worry because you lack the natural talent for gardening, but remember, every gardener starts as a beginner.

It’s perfectly normal to make mistakes along the way. That’s how you learn and grow, not just your plants, but also your skills.

One needs to embrace the learning process. Start small with a few plants and pay attention to their needs.

Are they getting enough sunlight? Are they being watered too much, or too little?

Each plant will give you signs, and over time, you’ll learn to read them like an open book.

Now don’t let common fears, like overwatering or under-fertilizing, discourage you. Again these are only hurdles every gardener faces.

If you overwater, the leaves on your plants might turn yellow, signaling you to cut back. If your plants look a gloomy, a little fertilizer might be the boost they need.

The significant key here is to start small and don’t be afraid of asking for help.

Your best bet is to shop at your local greenhouse because they cater to beginners. As the staff are all experienced and friendly, they are more than happy to answer your questions.

Inside a greenhouse
Greenhouse

You could visit your local garden center after you gain some experience and feel more comfortable and confident in your gardening needs.

Why not join a gardening community, or look up tips online? Perhaps your next door neighbour is a gardener?

There’s a wealth of knowledge out there, and the experienced gardeners usually love to share their tips and tricks.

Think of gardening as your journey. With each plant, you’re gaining experience and confidence.

Before you know it, you’ll be the one sharing advice with gardening newbies, showing them that they too can develop their green thumb.

2: “I Don’t Have Enough Space”

Maybe you think you need a sprawling backyard to start gardening. Guess what, that’s not true!

You can absolutely grow your own green space, even if you live in an apartment or have a tiny outdoor area.

My small garden

Let’s look at how to make the most of small spaces like decks, balconies, or windowsills.

First, you should consider container gardening. Pots, planters, and even hanging baskets can be your best friends! As they allow you to grow a variety of plants, from flowers to herbs and small vegetables.

They’re perfect for setting up on any available flat surface that receives adequate sunlight.

2 Impatience plants and 1 Cally lily growing on my garden deck
Some of my Calla lily and Impatience plants

Secondly, look and think upwards with vertical gardening. You can utilize wall space or invest in a vertical planter to maximize your growing area.

Balcony with a vertical wall planter, hanging basket and potted flower
Balcony with vertical wall planter, hanging basket

Climbing plants, such as ivy or certain vegetables like cucumbers, are excellent for vertical growth.

Not only does this approach save on space but, will also add an attractive visual element to your home.

Climbing vine and hanging planter on a trellis
Climbing vine and hanging planter on a trellis

If you revisit your space with these strategies, you’ll find that the possibilities for your garden plot are more doable than you initially thought.

So don’t let a small growing area deter you; with a bit of creativity, you can cultivate a lush, thriving garden in the space you have!

3: “I Don’t Have the Time”

You might feel like your schedule is way too busy for gardening. And I agree, because I have experienced that same situation. In fact everybody feels the same way.

The solution is to juggle things around and make gardening fit into your daily routine.

Gardening doesn’t have to be a time-consuming task, in fact, it can become a relaxing break from your busy life!

You should start by setting aside just 10-15 minutes twice a day for gardening. Whether it’s watering your plants while your coffee brews in the morning or spending a moment to check on them after work.

These small steps can be integrated into your daily activities without overwhelming you.

Now, let’s focus on choosing low-maintenance plants that won’t demand too much of your time.

If you live in growing zone 3, as I do, you have some hardy plant options that can withstand the cooler climate.

Consider perennials like hostas, daylilies, and irises, which are robust and return year after year.

You can also try annuals like, geraniums, marigolds and petunias as they require very little care. However, they die off at the end of the growing season.

Another time saving gardening technique you can try is mulching. It helps retain soil moisture, meaning less watering, and it suppresses weeds, meaning less time spent on watering and weeding.

Small yellow lily surrounded by mulch
Mulch

Self-watering planters can also be a time-saver, by delivering water directly to the roots of your plants without the need for daily attention.

Remember, gardening is meant to be a joy, not a chore.

What happens when choosing the right plants and using smart gardening techniques? You can create a beautiful garden that fits into your life, no matter how busy you may be!

4: “Gardening is too Expensive”

I know what you are thinking already, that starting a garden will hurt your wallet! No it doesn’t have to be costly. Because there are plenty of ways to garden on a budget while still enjoying all the benefits.

Instead of starting seeds, which can be hair-pulling, extremely time consuming and requires more supplies, you can begin with bedding plants.

My Bedding plants: Tomatoes, Begonias, Calla lilies and Impatience
My Bedding plants: Tomatoes, Begonias, Calla lilies and Impatience

These young, already started plants will give you a head start and will be more amiable for beginners.

Just head over to your local garden center or greenhouse where bedding plants are readily available. Since they have an extremely high success rate they are more cost-effective in the long run.

When it comes to garden tools, it’s best to stick with the basics. A good pair of gloves, a sturdy trowel, and a watering can, or a pail and a dipper, are enough to get you started.

To help you save even more, shop around for second-hand tools at garage sales, online marketplaces or ask your friends and neighbours. You will be surprised at what you find!

Buying the proper soil is also important, but that doesn’t mean it has to be expensive. Many garden centers offer their own brand of soil which can be just as good as the premium brands.

Also, consider amending your existing soil with compost. Garden centres also carry bags of compost or you can make yourself from kitchen scraps and yard waste.

Finally, let’s talk about how gardening can actually save you money. When you grow your own vegetables and herbs, you’ll cut down on your grocery bills.

Imagine plucking fresh tomatoes and basil right from your garden to make a salad. Not only is it satisfying to eat what you’ve grown, but it’s also lighter on your budget.

Fresh tomatoes and basil
Tomatoes and basil

Please don’t let the cost be an excuse to keep you from gardening! With these money-saving tips, you can grow a thriving garden without spending a fortune.

And as you enjoy your homegrown produce, you’ll see that gardening can be both an affordable and a rewarding hobby.

5: “Personal Discomforts and Challenges”

This last section covers some of the most common personal excuses people use. The best way to handle your fears is to face them head on!

Cartoon boy running away in fear

1. Fear Dirty Hands/Clothes: To overcome your fear, you can wear gardening gloves and old clothes that you don’t mind getting stained. This way, you protect your skin and your everyday wardrobe from dirt and grime.

2. Concerned about Sweating: Perhaps sweating makes you feel uncomfortable, I know I get that way. So, you can garden during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or early evening.

Also wearing a hat and light, breathable clothing will help keep you cool.

3. I Hate Bugs and Mosquitoes: This is an easy fix! Just apply insect repellent before you start gardening. Wearing long sleeves and pants can also protect your skin from bites.

4. I Burn to Easily: Another quick fix! To prevent sunburn, make sure you apply sunscreen with a high SPF before going outside, and reapply it as needed.

Wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses can provide additional protection for your face and eyes.

5. I Suffer from Allergies: If allergies are an issue for you, taking an antihistamine before heading out to the garden can help. It’s also a good idea to wear a mask to filter out pollen and other allergens while you work.

Using these simple strategies, you can tackle each of the common discomforts associated with gardening. By preparing yourself you can make your experience more enjoyable and rewarding.

Remember, a little preparation goes a long way in transforming gardening from a chore into a pleasant and fulfilling hobby.

Conclusion:

After reading this article, I hope you’ve seen how manageable gardening can be. Now is the time to set aside those doubts and excuses that keep you from gardening!

Whatever your excuses may have been, be it space, time, skill level, or budget, it’s clear that there are ways to get around them. You have the power to cultivate your patch of nature, all on your own!

Gardening is more than just a hobby, it’s an activity that can enhance your life. Physically, it gets you moving and out in the fresh air.

Mentally, it’s a therapeutic escape, helping you to reduce stress and improve your mood.

And let’s not forget the nutritional benefits. Growing your own produce means you have access to the freshest, healthiest fruits, vegetables, and herbs right at your fingertips.

So, what are you waiting for? Today is the perfect day to start. Pick out a pot, choose a plant that excites you, and begin your gardening journey.

A smiling young female adult holding  a thriving potted plant. She is a happy and confident gardener!
One Happy and Confident gardener!

Care for your plant, watch it grow, and allow your confidence to grow alongside it. Your garden, no matter the size, is a testament to what you can achieve when you push past the excuses.

Let your gardening adventure begin!

Thank you for stopping by and reading my post. I welcome any questions or comments!

Before I leave: New gardeners learn by trowel and error. (hardy har har)

Until next time! Happy Gardening!

Take Care

Barb

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