A beginner's guide to: Gardening

horticulture, urban gardening, plant parenting

Gardening is a fulfilling and accessible way to connect with nature, whether you're growing flowers, vegetables or simply tending to houseplants.

In a hurry and don't have any questions?

  1. Check out our safety recommendations.

  2. Prepare a list of essential gardening supplies.

  3. Choose your plants thoughtfully.

  4. Designate a suitable space for potting and settling new plants.

  5. When you are ready, head to our Practice Guides and get started.

Looking for detailed practice guides? Hang tight, they are coming soon!

What is gardening?

Gardening is a rewarding activity that anyone can try, whether you have a big backyard or a small apartment balcony. It’s more than just planting flowers – it’s about nurturing life, creating beauty and even growing your own food. Gardening can be as simple or as complex as you like, from easy indoor plants to fully landscaped gardens. It offers a perfect opportunity to step outside, unwind and watch things grow. Plus, there’s a sense of pride and accomplishment when you see, share or eat the results of your hard work. Ready to dig in and start your gardening journey? Let’s get growing!

Why gardening is good for you

Gardening is an easy way to improve your health by getting outside, staying active and enjoying the natural world right at home. Check out all the wonderful ways gardening is good for you.

Stress relief

Emotional well-being

Physical activity

Physical well-being

Boosted mood

Emotional well-being

Improved focus

Intellectual well-being, Self well-being

Connection with nature

Self well-being

People who love gardening

Monty Don

Person

Isla Fisher

Actor

Drew Barrymore

Actor

Gardening Australia

TV Show

Real people's experiences

Starting gardening? Read this first

Is it finally time for the world to see that you have a green thumb? We know you're eager to get your supplies together and start your growing adventure. Gardening can be a beneficial activity for everyone, but before you head out, read through the following details.

Common styles

Backyard Gardening

Community Gardens

Container Gardening

Indoor Pot Plants

Safety

⚠️

Wear protective clothing, a hat and sunscreen where required.

⚠️

Use correct lifting techniques.

⚠️

Follow instructions on pesticides and fertilisers.

⚠️

Stay hydrated.

What you might experience

🤔

"What do I need besides pots?"

😊

"Planting those seeds was weirdly exciting!"

😬

"I hope I’m doing this right."

😌

"I enjoyed that and it looks great."

😊

"Please grow!"

Getting started guides coming soon...

Are you ready to start gardening?

We are busy working on detailed getting started guides and individual practice guides to follow.

What you need to know about gardening

Let's compare three different ways to start gardening for the first time: self-led (using online guided sources), group (IRL) and 1:1 with an instructor (online or IRL).

Compare

Recommendation for first-timer

Availability

Average cost per session

Special equipment required

Potential for socialisation & community

Safety & skill building

Space or privacy required

Ease of scheduling

Setup time

Active practice time

Unexpected advantages

Ancestry, history, facts and other trivia

The Hanging Gardens of Babylon, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, may be the first known vertical garden.

Plants can "communicate" by releasing chemical signals to warn others of insect attacks.

In ancient Egypt, lettuce was considered an aphrodisiac and dedicated to the god Min.

The famous TV show "Gardener's World" has been running since 1968 & continues to be a staple for gardening enthusiasts.

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3 facts

Popular memes

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11 memes

Academic research we rate

Indoor Nature Interventions for Health and Wellbeing of Older Adults in Residential Settings: A Systematic Review

Yeo, N. L., Elliott, L. R., Bethel, A., White, M. P., Dean, S. G., & Garside, R. (2019). Indoor Nature Interventions for Health and Wellbeing of Older Adults in Residential Settings: A Systematic Review. The Gerontologist, 60(3), e184–e199. https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/gnz019

The impact of gardening on well-being, mental health, and quality of life: an umbrella review and meta-analysis

Panțiru, I., Ronaldson, A., Sima, N., Dregan, A., & Sima, R. (2024). The impact of gardening on well-being, mental health, and quality of life: an umbrella review and meta-analysis. Systematic Reviews, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13643-024-02457-9

Community Garden Initiatives Addressing Health and Well-Being Outcomes: A Systematic Review of Infodemiology Aspects, Outcomes, and Target Populations

Gregis, A., Ghisalberti, C., Sciascia, S., Sottile, F., & Peano, C. (2021). Community Garden Initiatives Addressing Health and Well-Being Outcomes: A Systematic Review of Infodemiology Aspects, Outcomes, and Target Populations. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(4), 1943. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18041943

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7 research pieces

Introduction guides from around the web

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