Though it still seems like winter may never end, there are just a few days of it left before the warm breezes of Spring are officially here.

Whether you’re planning a huge garden that will provide a bounty big enough to share, or you’re not sure you can even handle a small container of plants without killing everything, it’s time to get ready!

Over the next few weeks, the moon will be in the right phases to start planting, so you’ve got to start now.

If you’ve never attempted this before, kudos! You’re in for a very rewarding challenge!

So, where to start?

Location, Location, Location! First you have to decide where your garden will grow. If this is your first attempt, start small – you can always expand later if you find this is something you love. Maybe it’s a flower bed that needs a little sprucing up? Perhaps you have a patio that’s yearning for a little green? Either way, a little dirt on your hands, sweat on your brow, and grease in your elbow will go a long way!

Next Plan your Plants. Once you’ve got your location picked out, you can decide which plants suit your lifestyle best. Some plants – like eggplant, celery, cucumbers, and cauliflower – require more TLC than, say, cabbage, carrots, onions, peppers and tomatoes do. For the extreme beginner, you may want to try asparagus, garlic, kale, strawberries or radishes which all grow with extreme ease for that little ego boost! Another hint, don’t forget to take into consideration your location’s limitations – like what kind of sunlight and rainfall your plants will get.

Then Get Ready! This doesn’t just mean figure out which jeans you want to get dirty, there are some very important steps to take before bringing home your new plants! First, figure out when it’s best to plant what you’ve chosen. Consulting the moon phases in the Old Farmer’s Almanac will help your plants get off to a good start. When you’ve figured out the right time, you’ll need to prep the area. There’s an old saying that a cheap plant needs an expensive hole. Translation? Spring for the right organic fertilizer for your plants, and then make sure you mix it into the dirt you plan to plant in, as well as tossing some in the bottom of the hole for good measure. You should also adjust your dirt if necessary (i.e. some plants like more sand, some plants like more clay, and some plants like a nice, loose loam – all of which can be achieved with a little smart purchasing!) Fertilizing and picking the right soil are especially important if you’re gardening in a container – you’ll need to play Mother Nature to be sure your plants have all the food they need!

And, finally, it’s time to plant. Don’t forget to water and add fertilizer as necessary. Keep an eye out for pests – they’re a lot easier to take care of if you catch them early!

Remember, if you plant in early spring and love it, or kill everything off and want to try again, or if you don’t decide you’re ready to undertake a garden until “it’s too late”, there’s another chance for a fresh start. There are many plants that can be planted in the “late” growing season which starts in July, August, or even September for some especially hearty plants!

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