- 1). Pick a preferred plant. It's best for new growers to stick to hardy plants that are difficult to kill, though the ultimate plant choice is up to the individual. Delicate flowers, hardy trees, bushes and everything between is available for the gardener.
- 2). Research the specific plant needs. Every plant is different and knowing the plant’s needs will ensure growing success. The key points to notice are the plant's watering needs, proper pH balance, lighting needs, soil needs, pest and disease control and fertilization.
- 3). Find a good location for the plant’s lighting and soil needs. For an outdoor garden, the options are numerous. Keep the lighting needs as far as full sun or partial sun in mind when picking the ideal location. Indoor lighting can be difficult and might require a grow lamp for plants that need full light for eight or more hours a day.
- 4). Transplant the plant. Transplanting requires shoveling soil from a garden large enough to plant the root ball, placing the root ball into the hole, covering it with soil until the plant is firmly supported and then watering. Transplanting can be done in a garden or into a larger pot.
- 5). Add fertilizers as needed. Most plants will need fertilization once in a year, usually at the beginning of spring, but some plants will need fertilization more often, such as roses, which should be fertilized twice a year. Fertilizers can be chemical or organic.
- 6). Water the plant according to its needs. Usually most plants should be watered when the soil starts to feel dry, but some will need more water.
- 7). Prune and cut away old growth as needed. Not all plants are pruned, but many plants, like roses, should be pruned so that new growth can thrive.
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