New year, new beginnings, new garden!

Isn't it amazing how a new year ignites a burning feeling of starting fresh, doing better, or changing things up? A new calendar year always creates a sense that we have a fresh start - we can close a chapter and try again.

And this is the same for gardening. With every new year and season, you have a chance to plant and grow something new or try a different method if the previous was not so successful.

I love this about gardening - it's very forgiving and resilient. It teaches valuable life lessons of perseverance, patience, and appreciation. And, of course, being able to enjoy wonderful produce and spectacular flowers!

See below what seeds I am ordering and planting this year, my favorite seed places to order from, and answers and links to frequently asked gardening questions!

What I'm ordering and planting this year

My Favorite Places to Order seeds from

We only order seeds that are organic or heirloom seeds. This way, we are assured that our seeds and produce are pure, not cross-pollinated, free from genetic modifications, and not treated with pesticides, fertilizers, or herbicides.

Some great sites to order seeds online from include:

https://www.groworganic.com/

https://www.rareseeds.com/ (we Love ordering from them, and most of our seeds come from them!)

https://territorialseed.com/

https://www.johnnyseeds.com/

https://www.highmowingseeds.com/

https://www.marysheirloomseeds.com/

https://www.floretflowers.com - My Favorite for beautiful flower seeds

we order our tomato varieties from:

Amish Paste & San Marzano - https://www.johnnyseeds.com/

Martinos Roma and other heirloom varieties - https://www.rareseeds.com/

Your Gardening Questions Answered

Q: How, When, and where do I order seeds?

A: December and January is the best time to order seeds.

Q: How do I start seedlings?

A: Seed starting does not have to be complicated, and once you have determined a few things and got the correct supplies, it will become second nature. No more plant killing!

READ MORE: Seed starting basics

Q: I prefer direct sowing - how do I go about it, and which vegetables can be directly sown?

A: Direct sowing will depend greatly on your gardening zone, time of year, and chosen vegetables. If you don't want to start seedlings indoors, no worries! There are quite a few vegetables you can direct sow when your soil is warming up and workable. READ MORE: Direct sowing in 10 steps

Q: What is the difference between raised and in-ground garden beds, and which should I choose for my garden?

A: That depends on many factors and the advantages and disadvantages of each. Knowing these pros and cons can help you decide which is best.

Q: I am a complete newbie and need help on where to begin with my vegetable garden. Do you have any advice?

A: We have all been there, friend, so do not fear! Gardening is a trial-and-error game, but once you get the hang of it, there is no stopping you! I have a few tips and templates on how to start and plan your garden.

Q: How much do I need to plant per person in the vegetable garden?

A: This is often difficult to determine as you are at the mercy of the plant's production, which can change yearly. It's also tricky initially, while you still need to figure things out. But I do have a general guideline below that you can use.

Q: What is the best soil for germination, healthy produce, and generous harvests?

A: Soil is the most crucial aspect of a healthy garden and can make a huge difference. We prefer to make our own organic soil and have achieved immense success.

Q: Is compost a must for the garden?

A: In our opinion, yes! Adding compost to your garden is an excellent idea for your garden and the environment. Compost, among other things, is a significant contributor to the success of our vegetable garden.

Q: Any tips for starting a potted or indoor garden?

A: Potted, indoor, and vertical gardening can be just as fun if you have a limited amount of space. You may find the following blogs helpful:

The best vegetables to grow indoors

Vertical gardening plants, benefits, and tips

Q: What plants can I plant together to complement each other and fight off pests?

A: This gardening technique is called companion planting and has various advantages. It helps to enrich the soil, encourages optimum growth of different plants, increases bio-diversity by encouraging bees and butterflies, and works excellent for organic pest control in the garden.

Q: What are the best cucumbers for pickling?

A: Oh, how I love to pickle cucumbers, it is so easy and tasty! There are a few differences between salad and pickling cucumbers, and picking the right variety will ensure for yummier pickles. Read the blog below on how to choose the best variety, how to grow cucumbers and a super tasty pickling recipe!

Q: What are some of the easiest flowers to grow?

A: If you think a gorgeous flower garden is only for those with green fingers, you are mistaken, my friend. You, too, can have a beautiful flower garden with these 12 easy-to-grow flowers when following a few basic rules!

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Friend, I hope these resources will help you in having a very succesful gardening year! As I mentioned earlier, everything is trial-and-errors and there’s no right or wrong. You need to determine and do what is best for your type of garden, lifestyle, and needs.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

Love, Annette xx

If you need more gardening guidance, you can grab my FREE MONTHLY GARDENING GUIDE FOR THE WHOLE YEAR at the link below.

This guide has all the gardening tasks and to-dos for every month of the year, helping you plan and grow your best garden yet.

grab your guide here

What We Are Planting In 2023 and Your Gardening Questions Answered!