Resources for New and Seasoned Gardeners

 

The art of gardening is often a blend of creativity, patience, and knowledge. Whether you're tending to your first sprouts or cultivating a seasoned garden, having access to valuable resources can make a noticeable difference in the success of your garden. From books to free online training, we've harvested a list of excellent resources worth bookmarking. Let's dig in!

 

BOOKS

"The Well-Tempered Garden" by Christopher Lloyd - Christopher Lloyd's deep passion for gardening resonates in every page of this enduring gardening gem, a classic that has seen multiple reprints. While not a comprehensive encyclopedia, the book is enriched with Lloyd's personal touch, reflecting his experiences in the moist English climate. 

"The Vegetable Gardener's Bible" by Edward C. Smith - The Vegetable Gardener's Bible goes beyond the ordinary by guiding you on things such as expansive rows, organic practices, elevated beds, and rich, deep soil. 

"Rodale's Basic Organic Gardening" by Deborah L. Martin - Covering numerous essential topics such as soil, compost, seeds, pest control, and weeds, Smith demystifies organic gardening using straightforward language, guaranteeing success, even for beginners attempting gardening on a small scale for the first time. 

"The Flower Gardener's Bible" by Lewis Hill - This all-encompassing guide offers expert guidance covering a range of topics, starting from selecting an ideal growth location to optimizing the longevity of your plants.

 

WEBSITES

Old Farmer's Almanac: A trusted resource with gardening advice, planting calendars, and articles.

Gardening Know-How: Offers a wide range of articles covering various gardening topics and common issues.

University Extension Services: Find your county extension office in Georgia or North Carolina.

 

YOUTUBE CHANNELS

MIgardener: Provides practical tips and tricks for gardening on a budget.

Garden Answer: Offers visually appealing and informative videos on various gardening topics.

Epic Gardening: Focuses on educational content for urban gardeners and beginners.

 

PODCASTS

The Joe Gardener Show: Hosted by horticulturist Joe Lamp'l, covers a wide range of gardening topics.

The RHS Gardening Podcast: Produced by the Royal Horticultural Society, offering expert advice and interviews.

 

ONLINE COMMUNITIES

GardenWeb Forums: An active community where gardeners share experiences and seek advice.

Reddit Gardening: A popular subreddit where gardeners of all levels discuss and share their gardening endeavors.

 

FACEBOOK GROUPS

Creative Gardening: A popular group where members share tips, suggestions, and ideas about their favorite pastimes.

Gardening Hints & Tips: This group is run by gardeners, for the benefit of gardeners everywhere.

Gardening Tips for Beginners: Newbies and experts alike share their best tips, tricks, and advice.

 

MOBILE APPS

Gardenize: Helps you plan, track, and improve your gardening activities.

PlantSnap: This free mobile app identifies plants and is useful for beginners and experts in learning about different plant species.

 

ONLINE COURSES

MasterClass - Ron Finley Teaches Gardening: Learn urban gardening from the self-titled "Gangster Gardener."

Online gardening classes by Skillshare: Get your first 30 days of classes for free when you sign up. After that, you have the choice of paying monthly or annually.

Alison: Online classes are completely free however if you’re looking for a certificate varying your studies, you’ll have to pay for that.

 

ZONES & CLIMATE INFORMATION

Knowing your planting zone and understanding your local climate are crucial factors in successful gardening for several reasons:

Temperature Considerations: Different plants have specific temperature requirements for optimal growth. Planting outside of the recommended temperature range for a particular species can result in poor growth or even plant death. Your planting zone helps you identify the average minimum winter temperatures in your region, ensuring you choose plants that can withstand the local climate.

Frost Dates: Knowing the average dates of the last spring frost and the first fall frost in your area is essential. This information helps you plan your planting schedule, ensuring that you don't plant sensitive crops too early in the season when the risk of frost is still present.

Growing Season Length: Understanding your climate helps you determine the length of your growing season. Some plants require a longer growing season to reach maturity and produce fruit. By knowing your climate, you can choose varieties that are well-suited to your region and can produce a harvest within the available timeframe.

Watering Requirements: Different climates have varying levels of precipitation and humidity. Knowing your local climate helps you plan for the water needs of your plants. In arid regions, for example, you might need to implement efficient irrigation systems, while in humid climates, you may need to pay attention to issues like fungal diseases.

Soil Conditions: Climate can also impact soil composition and quality. Knowing your local climate allows you to choose plants that are adapted to the specific soil conditions in your area. Some plants thrive in well-drained soils, while others may tolerate heavy clay or acidic conditions.

Pest and Disease Pressure: Certain pests and diseases are more prevalent in specific climates. Being aware of your local climate allows you to anticipate and manage potential pest and disease challenges. This knowledge helps you choose resistant plant varieties and implement preventive measures.

Microclimates: Even within a specific planting zone, there can be microclimates—small areas with unique climate conditions. Understanding these microclimates enables you to make more accurate plant choices based on the specific conditions in different parts of your garden.

In summary, knowing your planting zone and climate is fundamental for selecting appropriate plants, planning your gardening schedule, and implementing proper care practices. It ultimately increases the likelihood of a thriving garden.

Click here to look up your zone in Georgia

Click here to look up your zone in North Carolina

 

BOTTOM LINE

Remember to adapt advice to your specific climate zone and gardening conditions, and don't hesitate to experiment and learn from your own experiences in the garden. Happy gardening!