BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM

Gardening is one of those skills that often gets passed down through generations. Maybe you remember planting seeds with a grandparent or watching a family member carefully tend to their vegetable patch. Along the way, you might have picked up a few tips without even realizing it—like how to tell when soil is ready for spring or where to plant herbs for the best results.

Even experienced gardeners had to start somewhere, and over time, they gathered their own wisdom. Three gardening pros reveal the tips they wish they had learned sooner—so you can skip the guesswork and cultivate a thriving garden from day one.

Know your planting zone before you buy

It is easy to get carried away at the garden center, picking out flowers and vegetables simply because they look beautiful or taste delicious. But just because a plant is available to buy does not mean it will thrive in your garden.

“Your planting zone determines when you can begin planting certain vegetables outdoors and which perennials and flowers are hardy during the colder winter months,” explains Kaleb Wyse, farmer and author.

Knowing your USDA Hardiness Zone ahead of time can be the difference between lush, healthy plants and disappointment. For example, hydrangeas may flourish in one zone but struggle in another. By understanding your climate, you can set yourself up for success from the very start.

Start small to avoid overwhelm

If you are new to gardening, there is no need to go all in right away. Wyse advises against trying to create a massive, fully developed garden in your first year.

“Do not feel overwhelmed by the thought of planting everything at once,” he says. “I believe it is always best to begin with a small area of flowers or a couple of different types of vegetables.”

Gardening is a learning process, and taking on too much at once can quickly become exhausting. Instead, start with a manageable space and build from there. “Starting on a smaller scale ensures that you learn and can gradually add more as your time allows,” Wyse says.

Pay attention to sunlight

Dreaming of bright, colorful flowers or fresh vegetables? Before you plant, take a moment to observe how much sunlight your garden actually gets.

“Sunlight determines the suitable location for starting a vegetable garden,” Wyse explains. “Vegetables thrive in full sun and require as much sunlight as possible.”

Some plants, like zinnias, need abundant sunshine to bloom, while leafy greens like lettuce prefer some shade. Matching your plant selection to the natural conditions of your garden will save you time, effort, and frustration.

Raised beds make gardening easier

Gardening in the ground may seem like the most natural approach, but raised beds can offer major benefits. Certified garden coach and founder of Seed to Sanctuary Sara Rubens has found that elevated garden beds provide more control over soil conditions and make gardening more successful overall.

“Gardening, whether flowers or vegetables, is much easier and more successful in 100 percent cedar raised beds at least 17 inches tall or ideally 24 inches,” Rubens says. “This height allows for deep, nutrient-rich soil and compost, while cedar naturally lasts longer than other woods without requiring harmful chemicals.”

A raised bed not only makes it easier to care for your plants but also helps keep the soil well-drained and rich in nutrients. If you are serious about growing a productive garden, this setup is worth considering.

Healthy soil is everything

Soil is the foundation of any garden, and healthy plants start from the ground up. Siobhan Shaw, co-founder of Growing to Give, learned this the hard way.

“When we first tried growing to give for the community in the desert years ago, we were up against rock-hard caliche, the kind of sun-baked, back-breaking, shovel-snapping soil that’s drier than the driest martini and about as nutrient-rich as a popsicle stick,” Shaw recalls.

To improve conditions, she added quality garden soil and mulch to help retain moisture. Over time, she saw a dramatic transformation. “We started with kale, then green beans, and by the end of the season, that lifeless dirt had transformed into rich, dark, living soil, packed with the scent of goodness,” she says.

With a little effort, your soil can become healthier each season, creating the perfect environment for strong, healthy plants.

Cultivate success with these expert tips

Every gardener—beginner or experienced—goes through trial and error. But by starting small, paying attention to your planting zone, working with natural sunlight, and focusing on healthy soil, you can skip some of the common missteps and enjoy a thriving garden sooner. As Shaw’s experience proves, even the toughest soil can be turned into a fertile foundation for a flourishing garden with patience and care.