If you are looking to cultivate your green thumb and try your hand at your first garden, then below are some beginner tips just for you!

Track the sun. Before you choose your plot of land, spend a few days monitoring which areas receive the most sunlight during the course of the day. Most edible plants require at least 6 to 8 hours of sun a day, so after watching how sunlight travels through your yard, you will be able to pick the best place for your garden.

Familiarize yourself with your soil. Do you have soil that is clay based or sand based? Does is drain quickly or slowly? Does it require additional nutrients? By evaluating your existing soil using a soil test kit, you can determine what you need to add or adjust to make sure it is high in nutrients and drains well for optimal gardening. It is best to test your soil in early spring before you plant or after the harvest in fall.

Choose the right plants. Not only do you want to select plants that grow best in your climate, but you also may want to try your hand at some of the easier ones to maintain before expanding to others. Some easy-to-grow plants include geraniums, marigolds, sunflowers, daylilies, cucumbers, lettuce, and tomatoes.

Time your watering carefully. The frequency in which you water your garden depends on several factors: age of the plant, type of soil, humidity, rainfall, sun, wind, and more. Make sure to do your research and create a watering schedule for yourself to ensure the longevity of your plants.