Starting a garden is all about finding the right site. Place your garden where you will see it regularly (out of sight, out of mind applies to gardening). That way, you will be much more likely to spend time in it.

Pay attention to how sunlight plays through your yard before choosing a spot for your garden. Most edible plants, including many vegetables, herbs, and fruits, need at least 6 hours of sun to thrive.

Knowing the USDA’s hardiness zone can help one choose the best plants. Simply put, it describes the coldest place a plant can grow. Southwest Michigan is in Zone 6. Find more hardiness zones.

Planting too early (or late) in the season can harm your garden. The median date range for the last spring frost in our region is May 1-15. The median first fall frost in our region is October 1-15.

When space is at a premium, look to containers. You can grow many plants in pots, including vegetables, herbs, flowers, berries, and shrubs. When gardening in containers, use a pot that is large enough for the plant that it is hosting.

When starting a garden, one of the top pieces of advice is to invest in soil that is nutrient-rich and well-drained. If planting in a raised bed, consider using soil designed for raised bed growing.

It is important to select plants that match your growing conditions. This means putting sun-loving plants into a sunny spot, choosing heat-tolerant plants in warm climates, and giving ground-gobbling vines like pumpkins and melons ample elbow room (or a trellis to climb).

The best way to tell if plants need watering is to push a finger an inch down into the soil (that is about one knuckle deep). If it is dry, it is time to water.

Apply a layer of mulch that is 2 to 3 inches deep around each plant. This will help reduce weeds by blocking out the sun, and reduce moisture loss through evaporation, so you have to water less.

We’ve already talked about the importance of starting with great soil, but that soil works best in concert with regular boosts of high-quality nutrition for your plants. In other words, amazing soil + top-notch plant food = super garden success! So, a month after planting, begin feeding your garden with plant food. Be sure to follow label directions.