My Gardening Journey: How I Befriended the Land and Created My First Garden in 7 Easy Steps!
Hello friends!
If you are reading this post, it means that like me, you too are ready to step into that beautiful world where even a small seed gives hope for life.
My name is Reena, and I like to call myself an “Amateur Gardener.” But five years ago, every plant in my house would die of fear! I remember my husband jokingly calling me a “plant killer.” I loved gardening, but I didn’t know where to start. Expensive pots, fertilizers, complicated soil details… everything intimidated me.
I used to think that good gardens were only possible in villages or large bungalows. But I live in a small city apartment, where a small balcony is my world.
Then one day, I decided enough was enough! I picked up an old plastic bucket, drilled holes in it, and my gardening journey began. This is my story—that of an ordinary city girl who overcame her fears and found solace in the soil .
If you’re a complete beginner like me and wondering, “How do I get started?”, trust me, these 7 steps will help you. These are the steps I learned, stumbled through, and then succeeded with.
Step 1: Ask yourself – “What do I want and where am I?” (place and goal)
When I started gardening, I wanted to have lots of roses. But my small balcony only got 2-3 hours of direct sunlight.
My experience: I combined my desires with my reality. I learned that I don’t get 6-8 hours of direct sunlight, so I’ll have to plant plants that require less sunlight.
- Question: How long does your balcony/terrace get sunlight?
- Goal: Do you just want beautiful flowers, or fresh herbs and vegetables for your kitchen?
I decided to grow herbs (basil, mint) and leafy vegetables (spinach). Don’t buy expensive seeds right away; understand your space first.
Step 2: No expensive pots, just ‘junk to jugaad’ (container and drainage)
I initially looked at expensive ceramic pots, but my budget kicked in. My husband suggested, “How about a bucket?”
My experience: I used old buckets, used yogurt containers, and cold drink bottles. Drainage is crucial. I poked 4-5 holes in the bottom of each container with a hot nail. If water stagnates in the container, your plant will definitely die! This was my first mistake when my first mint plant rotted.
- DIY tip: Place a small stone or piece of broken tile over the holes in the container. This will prevent the holes from clogging and soil from flowing out.
Step 3: Prepare the soil, this is your plant’s ‘food’ (soil mix)
Good soil makes the job 50% easier. Just the red soil from outside won’t save your plant.
My experience: The first time I just used brick soil, my plants died. Then I learned that soil needs both air and nutrients.
- Beginner Mix: Mix 50% garden soil + 40% manure (cow dung manure or vermicompost) + 10% sand (or cocopeat) thoroughly.
- Personal tip: I always add a little dried tea leaves (after I’ve used them). It gives my plants a special ‘boost’.
Step 4: Choose the right seed or nursery companion (planting).
Always start with plants that are easy to grow and won’t disappoint you.
My experience: My first successful plant was basil . It grew easily, and its fragrance filled my house. Then I grew mint (which grows easily from cuttings) and chives .
- Beginner-Friendly Plants: Mint, Tulsi, Curry Leaves, Aloe Vera, Lemon, Coriander, Spinach.
- Direct seed: coriander, spinach, radish.
- Get from the nursery: mint, rose (since it is difficult to grow from seeds).
Don’t bury the seeds too deep, just cover them with a light layer of soil.
Step 5: Watering Routine: No More, No Less
Watering can be the biggest mistake or the cause of success.
My experience: I used to water every day, especially in the summer, and many of my plants died from overwatering. I learned to water only when the soil feels dry on top .
- Secret check: Stick your finger 1 inch into the soil. If the finger comes out dry, water. If it’s wet, stop.
- Personal tip: In summer, water in the evening so the plant can absorb the water overnight. In winter, once every 2-3 days is sufficient.
Step 6: Fertilizer and Nutrition: Feed and Care with Love
Your plants need nutrition, just like we do, but avoid chemical fertilizers in the beginning.
My experience: I started soaking banana peels in water and giving that water to my plants. It’s a natural source of potassium and works wonders for my flowering plants.
- DIY Liquid Fertilizer: Give onion peels or rice rinsed water to plants after letting it sit for 1-2 days. This is a completely free and organic fertilizer.
- Most important: Make sure to give cow dung manure or vermicompost to your plants once every 20-25 days.
Step 7: Talk and love: It’s not just a ‘plant’, it’s a ‘friend’ (Personal Connection)
This step is not technical, but it is the most important.
My experience: I’ve discovered that plants can sense your energy. I wake up every morning to touch my plants, to talk to them (yes, I really do!). When my tomato plant first bore fruit, I felt so happy, as if I’d accomplished something great.
- Human Touch: Spend 10 minutes in your garden. Remove dead leaves, loosen the soil a bit. This will connect you with the soil and bring peace to your mind. It’s your own therapy.
Conclusion: Your green start
Friends, gardening isn’t rocket science. It’s a relationship with nature. My first garden was small and simple, but it taught me what patience is and how sweet the fruits of hard work can be.
So fear not! Forget about expensive equipment or the perfect location. Grab an old bucket, mix up some soil, and get your fingers dirty.
Your gardening journey begins here. Let me know in the comments what you’d like to grow first!
Good luck! And yes, your new plant is waiting to make you smile!
“This blog post is based on my personal gardening experiences and learnings. Gardening results may vary depending on your local weather , soil quality, and plant species. All the methods and tips mentioned have been successful for me, but I do not guarantee they will work 100% for everyone.Please be patient when caring for plants and wash your hands thoroughly after handling soil or fertilizer. I am not responsible for any plant failure or damage.”
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