While some people appear to have been born with a green thumb, others aren’t so fortunate. Gardening does not come so instinctively to them. If you are among them, do not despair. You can learn how to garden and become really good at it by following some basic tips.

Learn all that you can

Read up on the subject of gardening, from the basics to the fine details. Check out some books and subscribe to a few magazines. Join a gardening club or at the very least get together with a group of gardening friends. The more data you collect, the better decisions you will make in the long run and the more likely you are to have some success.

Watch out for the pretty

Budding gardeners too often select plants on their appearance rather than their requirements. They like the way a certain plant looks, plant it and then wonder why it doesn’t measure up later. You need plants with requirements that your garden can meet. If your garden gets a great deal of sun, then you need plants that require full sun. If your garden is in the shade much of the day, then you need plants that require shade.

Be patient

Gardens take time to mature. Don’t try to turn a budding garden into a mature garden with closer plantings and invasive species. While your garden might look fuller at first, it will not stay that way. Some of the plants competing for space might not survive, while others might get run over by the invasive species. Correcting the issues won’t be easy either, as transplanting doesn’t always work and getting rid of a invasive species can be downright difficult.

Compost, compost, compost!

Set up a compost bin, add to it regularly and apply it every spring for a fertile garden. It will save you big time in fertilizer costs, help the environment and give your plants the extra boost they need. Creating a compost bin is not that difficult either. There are tons of how-to’s and tips online.

Be realistic

Again, gardens take time to mature. Don’t push yourself so hard in the beginning that you run out of steam and call it quits. Take your time, be prepared to make mistakes and don’t be afraid to ask for help. The best gardens often come out of years of trial and error. If you don’t get it right the first time, ask a buddy for some advice, and remember, there’s always next year.

You don’t have to be born with a green thumb to become a great gardener. You can learn how to master the art over time. All it takes is some patience and practice.