For many of us, the biggest barrier to getting started with gardening is our own image that a "real" garden needs to be a big plot of ground filled with flowers or vegetables. And for you to be a "real" gardener you need to be out there with a hoe and big garden hat!
Breaking free from that image can open up countless options for you to experience real gardening that fits with the hectic life you live. A garden can be whatever you want and need it to be. According to Wikipedia, "A garden is a planned space, usually outdoors, set aside for the display, cultivation and enjoyment of plants and other forms of nature." With this broad definition in mind you are free to embrace your inner gardener and take on a project or two that gives you joy and fulfillment, without the stress, commitment and work that a bigger garden can sometimes involve.
Take a moment to consider what you really want. Is your motivation harvesting a fresh and delicious tomato for your sandwich, or is it a gorgeous display of flowers that brings hummingbirds to your deck? Whatever the motivation, there is a garden project that can fit your imagination.
Start by asking yourself a few questions -
1. How much time do you have for your garden? A few hours a week or a few minutes? The answer to this is your starting point.
2. What type of plants make your heart swoon? Is it mainly flowers, vegetables or decorative plants? Or is it all of the above?
3. Where's a nice sunny spot indoors or out that can be set aside for your garden? It can even be a deck or porch, because growing things in pots is an amazing way to get started. Be sure the area gets at least 6 hours of pretty strong sunlight each day. If you don't have that, there are great plants that can be grown in more shady areas.
Once you've outlined a few goals, it's time to dig in to the planning details!