Gardening season is finally here, and I couldn’t be more excited! This year marks my first attempt at growing a large garden, and what an adventure it has already been. Gardening season for beginners can be overwhelming, but you aren’t alone. With plenty of challenges, surprises, and little victories along the way, I can’t wait to share my journey with you.
The Rollercoaster Start to My Garden Adventure
Gardening has already proven to be a learning experience like no other. From plants dying after being transplanted to a sneaky ground squirrel feasting on my hard work, I’ve faced plenty of challenges. And let’s not forget the late frost that arrived well past the predicted frost date. What an adventure!
For a while, I feared my beautiful garden space might become an expensive plant graveyard. Honestly, it still might—but I’m keeping my hopes high and staying optimistic!
A Surprising Success: The Potatoes Saved the Day!
Just when all seemed lost, my little potatoes started to sprout! Last year, my gardening efforts consisted of container plants on the back porch, and I thought I’d be stuck in container gardening forever. But these potatoes proved me wrong and gave me renewed hope for the garden.
And guess what else? A mint plant I thought was totally dead has started sprouting again after sitting neglected on my porch for six months! I was just about to repurpose its planter for something else when the magic happened. Plants are full of surprises, aren’t they?
The Squirrel Strikes Again!
With my renewed sense of gardening excitement, I purchased 12 healthy plant starts. But guess who’s back? That pesky squirrel! So far, I have managed to save 2 tomato plants and 1 watermelon from its antics. Fingers crossed they survive the season.
If you’ve got any tips for keeping squirrels at bay, please share them in the comments! At this rate, I might need an entire squirrel-proofing strategy.
What I’m Growing This Season
Here’s what I’m currently attempting to grow (wish me luck!):
- Kale
- Lettuce
- Jack O’ Lantern Pumpkins
- Sugar Pie Pumpkins
- Strawberries
- Beefsteak Tomatoes
- Roma Tomatoes
- Green Beans
- Squash
- Zucchini
- Potatoes
- Cucumber
- Cantaloupe
- Spinach
- Carrots
- Lavender
To increase my chances, I’ve planted additional seeds in containers on my porch. I’m hoping to transplant them into the garden soon. If all else fails, I guess I can become a potato farmer!
Gardening Tips Welcome!
Gardening season for beginners is an undertaking. After tackling a large garden for the first time, I know there’s still so much to learn. If you have any gardening tips, especially for squirrel-proofing, please leave them in the comments below. Every little bit of advice helps!

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