Ready to get your hands dirty and plant your garden? That’s great! Well, besides being a brilliant hobby, gardening is so much more a way to connect with nature and revel in the delights of nurturing your own life. But before you get out there with a trowel and seeds and start painting your hands green, we have to talk — planning.

Don’t sweat it! We are going to walk you through the whole process in this complete guide for starting a garden-from planning to shopping, to using PODS storage unit rentals to keep your gear organized-we have everything you need to know right here! Are you ready? Let’s plant!

Step 1: Do Some Research

What Kind Of Garden Do You Want?

You have got to have a plan before the seeds start hitting the ground! So, let’s figure out what type of garden is best for you. Maybe you’ll do one of the following:

• Container Gardens: Perfect for when it either isn’t possible to have enough space or right soil, but you really want to grow those flowers, herbs, or veggies. Use pots, buckets, or PODS containers-they can be repurposed-and plant away!
• Vertical Gardens: Great for small areas and can be quite elegant looking on a wall or a fence, this type of gardening is superb. Your plants grow upwards—not out!
• Raised Bed Gardens: What makes a raised bed a great garden option? Well, these gardens offer you complete control over different factors such as soil quality and drainage. Besides, raised beds look fantastic!
• Herb gardens: Totally a win for anyone who loves great food, cooking, and flavor. You have all the best flavors for fresh meals just outside your door.
• Greenhouses: If you’re really, really, really, really into plants, gardening, and growing stuff, then a greenhouse is the way to go. With this, you can help yourself grow so many varieties. And yeah, you could have that done in your year-round time and, if the equipment is available, in any kind of climate, too!

Consider The Weather and The Soil

You kind of need to know a little something about both your area’s climate and soil quality. Otherwise, your garden is kind of doomed.

• Climate: So, what’s going to grow in your area? Will it be hot or cold? Part shade? Or full sun? Do you live in a rainforest—where you can pretty much plant anything? Or the desert? You need to know this!
• Soil: Have you ever done a soil test? Hmmm. Don’t be surprised if you learn that your area has several soil types, pH levels, and nutrient imbalances that can mess with plant growth.

What You Will Need

Creating the garden of your dreams doesn’t involve much more than food, water, and sunshine. Easy enough, right?

Here are a few things to consider and have on hand. You may have everything already!

• Seeds or Plants: Pick something that is appropriate for your particular climate and that you will eat!
• Tools: Don’t be intimidated, all you need to get started is a half-decent spade, pruners, trowel and gloves. These should do the trick to get your garden all planted up.
• Lights: If you are starting seeds indoors, you will also need to transfer them under a proper light source. Grow lights imitate natural sunlight to best keep your plants from going dormant.

Consider Your Watering System

Well – water is essentially liquid gold and can mean life or death in any garden. Some options?

• Go Manual: Just get a water hose and get to watering however, this might be the most time-consuming
• Drip irrigation, or Soaker Hose, etc.: Efficient as it targets the water exactly to the base of the plant and helps keep the surrounding soil undisturbed/ uncompacted
• Rain barrels: Consider capturing free water from the sky

Step 2: Whip Out That Credit Card And Start Buying

You’ve read, you’ve thought, and now it’s time for the fun part. Get out there and get your supplies! Do your research, make a budget, and consider quality over quantity. Buy tools and seeds from reputable brands so as to ensure you are making a good investment that will eventually bring return.

Step 3: Make Sure You Have A Good Place To Store Your Garden Stuff With PODS Storage Unit Rentals

Now that you have all of those on your list, you’ll want somewhere to keep it all nice and tidy, and that’s where PODS storage unit rentals come in. They can be a game-changer for any new gardener looking for flexible, efficient, and convenient storage options. If you are looking out for a means to store all your garden tools and seeds, then read on for seven ways PODS can help:

1. More Space

PODS storage units are available in every size imaginable to meet all of your storage needs: for sprouting seeds and for shovels, hoes, & soil.

2. Dry Storage

Rain, snow, pests, and weather-worn items will not be an issue, for PODS has got your seeds dry and tools rust-free.

3. Easy Access

PODS helps you avoid disorganization with its easy access feature, which makes items quite accessible without necessarily having to juggle through some stuffy garage or shed.

4. Organization

You’ll have fertilizer, storage bins, and tools all in one place-and looking so nice and neat, too. You can keep items organized and divided with these PODS containers!

5. Seasonal Storage

You can stash seasonal items, such as pruning shears, sprinklers, sun hats, and rakes. This allows space in your home and keeps everything safe and snug.

6. Delivery Options

You’ve got enough on your hands without having to worry about transporting all your new gardening goodies! Don’t stress! PODS delivers your storage unit directly to you, exactly where you need it.

7. Flexibility

As your gardening experience grows, you may need more or less storage. And that’s ok! ​PODS units are flexible, too. Swap sizes or commit to keeping yours long-term!

Step 4: Enjoy The Process of Building Your Garden

Research done, gear nestled up, and storage situation sorted out— This is one of the most important steps! Now go, and have a blast!

Understand Its Trial and Error

Gardening is a process. What works for one gardener or plant might not work for someone else. If things don’t always come out, pea flowers and roses— don’t give up! That’s all part of the process.

Experiment As Much As You Can

Set the bar! Try inventive planting methods, such as planting certain seeds, researching which plants are best grown in rotation, tasting, and seeing what grows best in your area versus what you like to eat. This is all a learning lab experience! Make some (plant-based) mistakes – take risks!

Learn What Works

Build on what does and does not work. If you have experiences where you do something right or wrong, write that down (seriously, write that down). Try new things and then remember and reference what worked and what didn’t. With each subsequent season, you will only continue to learn.

Beginning The Gardening Journey Of A Lifetime

Starting a garden is a noble goal – and space should never be a deterrent! With some PODS containers for extra security and space and some cool garden ideas, you can begin a mindful gardening journey that will not only give you delicious food but also be great for your mental health!