Introduction

As a post-95s gardener who started from scratch, I really had a tough time. In my first attempt at gardening, I bought lots of seeds and pots, only to face complete failure - it was heartbreaking! But after years of trial and error, I finally figured things out. Now the plants on my balcony and in my small yard are thriving, and watching them grow, bloom, and bear fruit brings me joy every day. Today I'd like to share the lessons I've learned and experiences I've gained over the years, hoping to help fellow garden enthusiasts avoid the same pitfalls.

Initial Preparation

Honestly, preparation work is super important! I learned this the hard way. When I first started gardening, I would buy any plant I liked and try to grow any flower I found beautiful, without considering if the environmental conditions were suitable. The results were predictable - plants either died from too much sun or drowning. It was devastating.

First, we need to carefully study our garden conditions. Take my small yard for example - I spent an entire week observing the sunlight patterns. I recorded light intensity in different areas at 8 AM, noon, and 4 PM daily. Through this method, I discovered that the southeast corner gets abundant sunlight all day, perfect for sun-loving plants like sunflowers and tomatoes; while the northwest corner, being shaded by walls, stays mostly in partial shade, ideal for shade-loving plants like ferns and pothos.

When it comes to garden layout, I'm quite professional now! Before planting anything new, I take out my gardening notebook and draw a detailed floor plan. Trust me, this habit is crucial! I once made a huge mistake by planting a row of sunflowers in front of zinnias. Once the sunflowers grew tall, the poor zinnias were completely blocked from sunlight and withered away. Now I arrange plants based on their mature height - tall ones in the back, short ones in front, creating clear layers and a designed look.

I also mark soil types, drainage conditions, and microclimate characteristics on my floor plan. For instance, my yard's soil is slightly acidic, making it perfect for hydrangeas and azaleas. Near the walls, where wind is blocked, the temperature is 1-2 degrees higher than in open areas, making these spots suitable for slightly cold-sensitive plants.

Choosing appropriate tools is another essential part of preparation. I used to buy the cheapest tools available, but the shovel broke quickly and the scissors rusted soon after. I eventually realized it's better to invest in a few quality tools than buy lots of cheap ones. Now I have an imported pruning shear in my toolbox - though expensive, it works great and has stayed sharp for over two years.

Scientific Management

I've learned some hard lessons about seed management! Once, I bought a pack of rare flower seeds online for several hundred yuan. Due to improper storage - leaving them in the sun on the balcony - none germinated when planted. It was a complete waste of money! I've learned my lesson and now store seeds in special seed storage boxes, with each variety individually sealed in bags with desiccants, and keep the whole box in the refrigerator's crisper drawer. Seeds stored this way maintain high germination rates even after a year.

I've also developed a trick for sowing tiny seeds, perfect for seeds like petunias. These seeds are as fine as dust, making them hard to sow evenly. Now I mix the seeds with fine sand in a 1:10 ratio, first mixing them thoroughly on white paper, then spreading the mixture evenly. This helps control sowing density and ensures even distribution.

Soil management is another major aspect. I now mix my own planting soil with: garden soil + leaf mold + river sand + vermiculite in roughly a 5:3:1:1 ratio. This mix retains water while allowing good aeration, making it excellent for root development. Before using, I sterilize the soil by pouring boiling water over it in a large container and letting it dry naturally. This kills pests, diseases, and weed seeds.

Detailed Maintenance

Maintenance is truly a skilled task! Temperature management is one of the most challenging aspects. Living in the north, where winter temperatures often drop below freezing, poses a significant challenge for plants. Through multiple experiments, I've developed several practical warming techniques.

First is using dark pebbles for temperature regulation. I place black pebbles around cold-hardy plants - these stones absorb heat during the day and release it at night, keeping the surrounding temperature 2-3 degrees higher than the air temperature. Last winter, I successfully overwintered several rose bushes using this method, and they sprouted early in spring.

I also take advantage of terrain features. I've noticed areas near walls are warmer than open spaces. So I specifically plant relatively cold-sensitive plants like jasmine and gardenia near walls. Combined with frost protection cloth, they usually survive winter well.

Watering is also a skill. Many beginners think watering is simple - just pour water everywhere. But this often leads to uneven watering, with some areas getting too much and others too little. I now use the "finger pressure test" - pressing my finger on the soil surface. If it leaves an impression but doesn't stick to my finger, the moisture level is just right.

Pest and disease control is essential too. I mainly combine physical and biological control methods. For example, to prevent cutworms, I place paper towel roll sections around seedling bases; for aphids, I plant marigolds to attract ladybugs that feed on them. This approach is both environmentally friendly and effective.

Fertilizer management is crucial too. I mainly use homemade organic fertilizers. Pruned branches and leaves, along with kitchen waste, go into a compost bin to ferment. In about a month, they become quality organic fertilizer. When fertilizing, remember that plants need different nutrients at different growth stages. During the growth period, focus on nitrogen; during flowering, focus on phosphorus and potassium.

Innovative Thinking

Innovation can make gardening more interesting! For watering, I discovered a convenient method: buried container irrigation. Place a clay pot or perforated plastic bottle next to plants and pour water into it. Water slowly seeps through the container walls or holes into the soil, conserving water while ensuring plants get sufficient moisture. My tomatoes grown this way produce abundant, sweet fruit.

Another method I created is the "sky garden." It utilizes vertical balcony space with hanging baskets and trellises for climbing plants. My balcony now features roses, morning glories, and clematis covering entire walls - spectacular when in bloom. This also helps cool the balcony, making it comfortable in summer.

Environmental Practices

Composting is my specialty! Initially, I thought it was dirty and smelly, but with the right method, it's actually quite simple.

My composting method is: use a large box with drainage holes in the bottom. Layer kitchen waste (fruit peels, vegetable leaves) and garden waste (pruned branches, weeds) in roughly 10cm thick layers. Add some soil between layers and maintain proper moisture - neither too dry nor too wet. Cover the top with soil to prevent odors.

In about a month, these organic materials ferment and decompose into dark brown organic fertilizer. This homemade organic fertilizer not only provides rich nutrients but also improves soil structure, making it looser and more fertile. Most of my vegetables and flowers grow exceptionally well with this organic fertilizer.

Conclusion

Gardening is truly fascinating! Through years of exploration and practice, I've transformed from a complete novice into someone capable of maintaining a small garden independently. Every morning, seeing my plants and flowers and smelling their fresh fragrance puts me in a great mood.

The most important aspects of gardening are patience, observation, and learning from experience. Every garden is unique and requires adjustments based on specific conditions. With the right methods, you too can create a vibrant and beautiful garden!