Gardening is linked to improving both mental and physical health. During hours spent outside with your gardening tools, you'll get your fill of vitamin D as you watch life take root and thrive. But, creating a successful garden can feel overwhelming— how do you know what and where to plant? Follow these tips to make your first garden a success.

How to Start Your First Garden 

1. Decide What to Grow

Start by deciding what you'd like to grow in your garden— vegetables, herbs, fruits, flowers, or all of the above. When it comes to vegetables, herbs, and fruits, pick items you know you and your loved ones will enjoy. Make sure all your picks will grow well in your gardening zone. If you know any successful gardeners, ask them for advice about growing certain plants.

With flowers, think about whether you want annuals or perennials. You might choose a combination of the two for a stunning garden all year round.

2. Pick a Location

To pick the ideal location for your garden, observe which areas of your yard get full sun, or unfiltered, direct light. Fruit, vegetables, and flowers may require anywhere from six to eight hours of full sun a day. However, even if your yard is mostly shady, plants like hostas and forget-me-nots will thrive.

Pick a location that's visible and accessible. If your garden is within your view from inside the house, you're more likely to remember to tend to it. Putting it near a water spigot will make for easy and efficient watering. Avoid windy and pest-prone areas.

3. Buy Garden Tools

Investing in quality gardening tools will make your new hobby easier. Basic tools include a garden hoe (used to shape soil and remove weeds), a leaf rake, gloves, a shovel, a wheelbarrow, and a watering can.

Avoid cheap, plastic tools that will break easily and require excess effort to use. Try out tools before you purchase them to ensure they're the right size and won't cause unnecessary strain.

Find quality gardening tools to start on your backyard oasis at Farmers Cooperative in Live Oak, FL. For over seven decades, this company has provided farmers and gardeners throughout Suwannee and Madison counties with essential supplies. Whether you need hardware, propane building materials, animal feed, or gardening and farming equipment, they've got you covered. Call (386) 362-1459 for advice on your next project. Go online for a full list of their products.