1. Know when to use seeds or starter plants and how to care for them. Getting your plants started can be a challenge in any environment and at any time of the year. Seedlings are delicate little things that need special care and attention to survive and thrive. Consider buying grow lights to start your seeds indoors, if your outdoor environment is unpredictable. If it is later in the season, it may be better to purchase starter plants that have already had a chance to grow strong roots and mature a nice set of leaves. This could improve your chances of a successful harvest before the season is over.

2. Think vertically. Vertical gardening is wonderful for a few reasons. It saves you space in the garden, provides plants more airflow, and keeps your fruits and veggies from sitting in soil as they mature. There are many different designs for vertical gardening and most are just as visually appealing as they are supportive for plants. 

3. Understand your calendar seasons and the crops that grow in them. Some crops are warm season and some crops are cool season. It is important to know when to attempt to grow your plants for optimal success. All summer, I attempted to grow Cilantro not realizing it really prefers spring and fall temperatures. Here is a great list of seasonal crop preferences from Northeast Nursery. 

4. Some plants like it wet and some plants like it dry. Understanding your plants watering needs is super important and will impact your level of success. Most fruits and vegetable plants need a good amount of water each week but some may need more than others. Herbs are a bit tricky in this way. Some herbs, like Rosemary and Thyme, like their soil dry while others like Mint and Parsley prefer a moist soil. Each plant is unique and has its own particular needs.

5. Start with the easier plant types. Some vegetables and fruits are easier to grow than others.  Choosing plants that are hardy and disease resistant is a good way to start out. Most plant descriptions in stores and plant nurseries will tell you this information. Selecting  plants with similar needs will also make it easier. For example, tomatoes, cucumber, and peppers all make good companions and grow well near each other. It makes caring for them easier and they are less likely to have issues with disease and water levels.

6. Know your soil type. This is important because some soils are great for containers and raised beds, while some are not. Some soils will need amending in order to provide your garden with enough nutrients, air flow, and water retention. Certain plants may prefer one soil type over another. In-ground garden soil will likely need to be tested for pH level before adding compost or any other soil amendments. 

7. Understand pollination and grow pollinating plants near your garden. Without pollination and pollinating insects around, your fruit and vegetable plants may flower but never produce any fruit! To ensure there are lots of bees and other pollinators around, consider planting some pollinator attracting perennial flowers like, marigolds and zinnias.

8. Save your seeds for next year and plan ahead. Saving your seeds from your successful harvests is a perfect way to get a jump start on your next seasons garden. Its important to plan ahead in gardening because items tend to sell out fast right about the time you want them. If you save or order your spring seeds in the fall or winter time, you can bypass some of the frenzy that hits right around March when everyone starts craving the great outdoors and the garden centers get a mad rush.

9. Water at the base of your plants. This is so important! When you water only at the base of your plants it helps prevent many diseases, mildews, molds, and fungus from forming on your plants leaves. Water left on the leaves to sit, is not a good mix with humidity, or the heat from the sun. It can lead to fungus, mold, or mildew growth or burn the leaves. If you need to rinse your plants, it’s better to do so in the early morning or early evening on a windy day.

10. Companion gardening improves success. Companion gardening places plants that have similar needs next to each other for ease in care and improvement in plant health. Some plants really don’t grow very well next to each other at all. For example, potatoes have few companions they are compatible with. While other plants will thrive more when they have a great companion by their side. Basil and Tomato are such as couple.