Things No One Tells You About Gardening: 6 Lessons I Learned My First Year
Gardening is one of those activities that seems so simple—until you dive in and realize there’s a lot more to it than just planting seeds. As I built my first ever garden from scratch, I learned a lot of things that I feel like no one talks about. Sure, I’ve had smaller gardens in the past, but there’s something about having your own permanent space to work with that changes everything. Here are some of the things so one tells you about gardening that surprised me and might surprise you too.
1. The True Cost of Soil
This one might be a bit obvious, but I didn’t really understand just how expensive good soil is until I tried to fill my raised garden beds. Let me tell you, soil is ridiculously pricey! After considering the cost, I decided to experiment with a lot of in-ground gardening instead. Raised beds are fantastic, but they’re expensive to fill, and the soil settles quickly over time, meaning you’ll need to add more each year.
If you’re in an area with decent soil (mine is clay-heavy, but still workable), I encourage you to consider in-ground gardening. Yes, there are challenges with pests, bugs, and weeds, but it’s a much more affordable option, especially when starting out.
2. Perennials Should Often Go in the Ground
One of the biggest surprises I had this year was learning that many perennials do better in the ground rather than in raised beds or pots. I’ve always seen beautiful containers of perennials. But, after talking to a local expert, I realized that in colder climates, keeping perennials in the ground is usually the best choice.
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The ground provides insulation, helping to protect the roots over the winter. If you’re in a climate that gets cold, this can be crucial for your plants’ survival. For example, I’m growing blueberries in the ground this year after being advised that containers may not keep them warm enough in winter. It was also a great reminder that native plants thrive best in their natural environment. If you’re planting perennials that are native to your area, they’ll naturally adapt to your garden and will require fewer amendments.
3. Gardening Takes Time to Regulate—Expect a Few “Fail” Years
If you’re gardening organically, it can take a few years for your garden to regulate itself. No one really talks about this, but it’s an important lesson to know. The first few years may feel like a failure with all your plants being eaten by pests or wildlife. It’s just the reality of an organic garden.
Don’t get discouraged if you’re facing these early struggles. Gardens don’t just “magically” work; they need time to find their balance. This may be especially true for anyone transitioning from conventional gardening to a more sustainable approach. It’s a process, and patience is key.
4. Peat Is Not as Eco-Friendly as You Might Think
Peat was something I had always thought of as a harmless gardening material, but this year, I learned about its environmental impact. Peat comes from bogs in places like Canada, and it takes thousands of years to form. While it’s technically renewable, it’s not renewable on a human timescale, which makes it unsustainable for long-term use.
Additionally, the harvesting of peat releases large amounts of carbon into the environment, contributing to climate change. So, this year I’ve made the decision not to use peat. Instead, I’m focusing on compost and pine bark, which are all much more sustainable options. If you’re thinking about alternatives to peat, I highly recommend trying coconut coir, wood chips, or sand to improve soil drainage.
5. Grass Removal Is Harder Than It Looks
Anyone who’s tackled grass removal by hand knows the struggle. It’s not just as easy as it looks with a tiller—it’s hard work! While using a tiller would make this much easier, I don’t have one, and honestly, I’m trying to keep it low-tech. Grass removal has been one of the most physically demanding tasks of my gardening year, and it’s something no one really warns you about.
The process is slow, and my body ached, but it was SO worth it to me because I want to keep the good soil that’s under all that grass. If you’re considering removing grass in your garden, just know it’s going to take some elbow grease and time. If you plan in advance, you can attempt to cover it for a season to kill it before removal. But it’s totally doable if you’re patient (and maybe a little stubborn, like me!).
6. Don’t Spoil Your Native Plants Too Much
When planting native species, resist the temptation to spoil them with too many amendments or extra care. Native plants are designed to thrive in their natural environment, and the more you try to “baby” them, the more they may struggle to adapt.
That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t amend the soil a bit when necessary. For example, I had to acidify the soil a bit for my blueberries, but otherwise, I’m leaving my native plants to adapt on their own. They’re meant to thrive in your local ecosystem. Unless they’re struggling, there’s no need to overdo it with fertilizers or soil amendments.
Learn these things before you start your first garden!
Gardening is a constant learning experience, and there’s always more to discover. If you’re a beginner or even an experienced gardener, there’s no shame in learning new lessons along the way. Remember, the first few years of gardening might not be perfect, but with each season, you get closer to your ideal garden.
I hope these insights have been helpful! If you’ve learned something no one told you about gardening, I’d love to hear from you. Come join the conversation in our Facebook group where we share tips, struggles, and victories along our homesteading journeys.
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About the Author
Brittany Gibson is a modern suburban homesteader and the founder of The Homestead Challenge. She empowers women to adopt a simpler, more self-sufficient lifestyle, feeling confident to grow, create, and thrive on their own terms with joy and balance.
Read more about my transformation and join me in building our lives from scratch.
