Gardening newbie

[sparklesandsparkles]

Hi, I have no knowledge about gardening whatsoever.... however, I currently have a garden with a lot of potential.

What I'd really like is an app that tells me when to plant flowers/veg, how to, how to look after them etc.

Any help would be most appreciated! Thanks

Well you could do worse than start watching Gardner's World and other programmes, what to do and when throughout the gardening year. Back series available . Visit local gardens that are open under the National Garden Scheme for inspiration. Will be interesting to see if anyone comes up with some apps.

There's a plant ID app called picture this which is quite handy. You take a picture of a leave/flower and it will tell you what it is and what it needs to look after it and also when it's sick and what to do etc. I'm a newbie also but this app has really helped me!

I'm not sure about apps, but I agree with watching Gardener's World and Beechgrove Garden for some inspiration.

The best book I read as a complete gardening novice was "Gardening in Pyjamas"......it is a very accessible and easy to understand book that I'd definitely recommend.

Starting from nothing, you need to know which way your garden faces to know which borders are in sun or shade and what type your soil is (clay, sand, chalk etc) that will help you know what to plant and what may not work as well. I'd then focus on shrubs and evergreens to give some structure..... I work on a ratio of one third of the garden being evergreen shrubs. They're low maintenance and mean the garden doesn't look completely bare in winter. Then you could fill in gaps with loads of bulbs as they are cheap and easy while you research what else you may want. I've had a succession this year from crocus in February, to daffodils in March, tulips in April and now alliums. All from a bit of autumn bulb planting...... just plant them deep to stop the squirrels digging them up!

I find the gardeners world and RHS websites the easiest to navigate. Just Google your question eg, what to plant now RHS/Gardeners World and you'll find the right article.

Years ago I came across a book called The Romantic Garden and I've been using the principles in each garden I've made since. Not saying you should get it, but it's style suit me. You need to think about the design first before you dive in. You might like modern, minimalist etc. Depends what's in place, your budget etc.

It will tell you what it looks like, but you would be well advised to double check They can get the answer very wrong

Apps and websites are only any good if you know what question to ask. Maybe buy one basic 'how to garden' book and read it from cover to cover. You will learn a heck of a lot more that way, and then have an idea of what to do and when.

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) does one called: 'How to garden when you're new to gardening, the basics for absolute beginners'.

Most garden centres will sell a range of books as well, and charity shops are usually stuffed with gardening books too. I honestly think it is the best way.

Gardeners World magazine always has a page which shows what to grow 'now.'

Generally speaking, if you buy a flowering plant that's in bloom now, then now is it's season. This is much of what garden centres sell.

Peas, beans, sugar snaps, mange touts can all be planted outside now, from seed , as well as carrots, chard, salad leaves, spinach and many others.
Look at the backs of seed packets, they'll tell you when to plant directly outside.

I've bought some tomatoes, courgettes, peppers, chillis and cucumbers from a garden centre and planted them outside, this week ( I'm in SE.)

I agree books can be very useful ...I keep meaning to look at mine more. I also found a subscription to the Gardeners World magazine useful when I began.