With our home remodel finally in the rearview mirror, we’re officially turning our attention to the yard—and more specifically, our flower beds and garden. I’m no green thumb (yet), but after a little research and a lot of dad-level determination, I’m feeling more confident about this whole “growing stuff” idea. Whether you’re trying to plant a beautiful flower bed, a bounty of veggies, or just keep one thing alive this year, here’s everything I’ve learned that might help.
Location, Location, Location (And Also…Location)
Turns out, plants are picky about real estate. Before planting anything, figure out where in your yard gets the right amount of sun and shade. Here’s the rule of (green) thumb:
- Too much shade? Good luck growing anything besides moss.
- Too much sun? You’ll be apologizing to crispy leaves every afternoon.
Pro tip: Observe your yard throughout the day before committing to a spot. Trust me, digging things up and moving them is about as fun as explaining Fortnite to a toddler.
Give ‘Em Space
Plants need personal space too. Don’t crowd them. I made this mistake once, and my flower bed looked more like an overbooked plant convention. Check spacing guidelines on seed packets or tags—it’s not just for show.
Water Wisely
Watering seems simple, right? Not quite. Here’s what you need to know:
- Water at the base, not the top. It’s like aiming soup at someone’s shoes and wondering why they’re not hydrated.
- Don’t overwater. More water doesn’t equal more growth—just soggy roots and sad plants.
Get to Know Your Dirt
Soil is like the personality of your garden—if it’s not right, nothing thrives. Good news? You can send a soil sample to Utah State University for just $25 and get a full analysis. That’s cheaper than therapy—and probably more productive.
Combat the Weeds Like a Pro
Want to avoid spending your weekends yanking weeds instead of grilling burgers? Lay down weed mat before you plant. It’s a game changer. Also, mulch is your best friend—keeps the soil cool, retains moisture, and looks good doing it.
Know Your Zone (And Don’t Mess with Frost)
In Utah, the last frost date is around May 1, which means: Hold off on planting unless you want to host a flower funeral.
- Want to start early? Try pots! Easy-to-move flowers like marigolds, sunflowers, and nasturtiums are great to start indoors or on patios.
Plan Before You Plant
Map out your garden. Literally. Use graph paper. Pretend you’re drafting a football play if that helps.
- Most veggies need 6–8 hours of sunlight
- Check for good drainage—because root rot is real, and it’s gross
- Use complementary plants (yes, plant friendships are a thing). Example: basil loves tomatoes, onions love carrots
Design That Flower Bed Like a Boss
Flower beds need some strategy:
- Tall plants in the back (sunflowers, hollyhocks)
- Mid-height plants in the middle (yarrow, salvia)
- Shorties in the front (petunias, creeping Jenny)
Bonus tip: Plant perennials this fall like poppies and black-eyed Susans so your spring self will be thrilled you did.
Use Google Like a Gardening Pro
See a plant you love? Take a pic, Google it, and copy that beauty into your own yard. Why guess when Pinterest moms have already figured it out?
Final Tips from a Dad with Dirt on His Hands
- Make sure your layout looks good before digging. It’s okay to rearrange!
- Rotate crops each year to keep pests and disease at bay.
- Combine flowers, herbs, and veggies to attract pollinators and deter pests
- Let the kids help—if only for the laughs and messy hands.
Good Luck, Garden Warrior
Whether you’re doing this to grow food, make your yard look great, or because your spouse casually suggested it during dinner, I’m cheering you on. I’ll be out there too—wearing Crocs, wielding a watering can like a champ, and pretending I totally know what I’m doing.
Got tips? Drop them in the comments. This is new territory for me, and I’ll take all the help I can get.
