Want to grow a garden but don't know where to start

Next to my house there is this big lot that is just grass and a few trees. What I want to do is grow some plants there but, I don't know the first thing about growing plants. So if anyone could point me in the right direction that would be lovely. Also I don't want to buy flowers that are already grown and plant them, I want to buy seeds and plant them. Does Target sell seeds? Also I live in South Florida so what plants are good to grow here? Thanks.

 

I don't know, maybe you can call them?

In South Florida you can grow almost anything. What do you want to grow.

Peace,
poor_old_dad

 

I'm thinking of growing some citrus trees. Either oranges or limes.

Haha guerrilla gardening! I never thought of it that way. I would hate to see the plants get torn down. But it's like this plot of land is calling me. Despite never having grown anything in my life or, having any knowledge of gardening I really feel like I have to do this.

 

Usually your local community colleges will offer some beginning gardening classes in the spring.

The library is also a good source of information.

And it never hurts to stop and talk with neighbors that garden. Gardeners are usually a friendly lot, and more than willing to share information.

With your citrus if you are a renter think about dwarf plants in large pots, that way if you have to move you can take them with you.

 

The only community college I know of in my area is still pretty far away from my house, but I do have a library that's within walking distance. Once I get some time (I got a break from school in 2 weeks) I'll go down there and try to get some books on gardening.

I never thought of it but, my neighbor has a huge garden in her backyard. Perhaps she could help me I'll ask her.

 

I just wanted to say how lovely it is to see a young gardener starting out!! I wish you happy growing and many years of enjoyment. You will get lots of sensible advice from lots of wonderful, inspiring people here.

 

If you need to get some seeds, I'd suggest going to a local hardware store. They have seeds a lot of the time. If they don't, either Meijers, Wal-Mart, or Target will. As mentioned above, if you have gardening neighbors, check with them, more then likely, they'll gladly give you some advice, if not help you out physically with starting the garden.

 

Your first garden should be simple...just grow a few relatively easy plants. You'll learn a ton of stuff and end up hooked. It's so satisfying to make a meal out of stuff you grew!

Tomatoes - lots of uses, easily stored, fairly easy to grow (easier from starts)

Radishes - one of the best beginner crops. Plant seeds when the danger of frost is past and 3 weeks later you get lots of crunchy, peppery goodness. They produce a lot of food fast, but how many radishes can one eat? Try pickling them (google for recipes)...they make a great snack, and the pickling smooths out the strong flavor

Sunflowers - also pretty easy to grow, and very satisfying because of their size.

This is my second year with a real outdoor garden (used to be limited to a fire escape landing), and we've got radishes, potatoes, corn, chard, kale, sunflowers, peas, salad mix, tomatoes, onions, lettuce, hot peppers, sweet peppers, cucumbers, eggplant, some gourds, and a bunch of berry bushes I just planted (black raspberry, red raspberry, and lingonberry). Living in Western Oregon, we also have free unending supplies of blackberries, great for making wine and jam or just eating.

Any book on organic gardening will help with the basics, but the one I'm getting the most out of lately is "How to grow more vegetables in less space than you ever thought possible".

 

I like to use bedding plants. Then you dont have to try to figure out what the hell is a weed or what seed you've planted trying to come up. I've found that if you keep a dauily routine of de-weeding and watering, the garden is much more enjoyaable.