You don’t need to be an expert to have a pretty garden and take good care of your plants. Shelbi Smeathers, a biology teacher at NHS, says that anyone can start a garden.

     “Gardening is definitely beginner friendly. I mean, anyone can babysit a plant; as long as you don’t water it too much,” Smeathers said. 

      Gardening doesn’t have to be just for those with a green thumb; it can be for anyone who wants a little more greenery in what can sometimes feel like a colourless city-scape. All of the plants below are perfect for a first garden. 

PETUNIAS: 

Petunias’ bright, cheery colors are perfect for a window box.

• Must be planted after the last frost. In a cooler climate like Indiana, they will die after a frost. 
• Water every 3-4 days, or more often if in a dry spell. 
• Planted in late January-mid March 
• FULL SUN

CONEFLOWERS: 

Coneflowers make your garden welcoming, attracting bees, butterflies, and even birds. 

• Need to be planted in early spring, after all dangers of frost are gone. 
• Shouldn’t be watered until the soil surrounding the flowers is completely dry. 
• FULL SUN

DAISIES: 

Daisies symbolize loyalty and love in the Victorian flower language. 

• Once daisies are established, they’re pretty resilient. 
• Dry spells won’t affect them too much.
• Be sure surrounding soil is not at all soggy when watered. 
• FULL SUN

THYME: 

Thyme is used in savory dishes and includes many different types, such as orange thyme and za’atar thyme. 

• Thyme hardly ever needs water, other than droughts in the summer. 
• Water soluble plant food is helpful, but not necessary. 
• Avoid pruning more than a third of the plant at a time. 
• FULL SUN

SAGE: 

In medieval Europe, sage was thought to make you wise, but today we use it to ease the stomach and digestive system. 

• Sage needs regular watering.
• Does well during dry spells, if extended water. 
• FULL SUN

LAVENDER: 

The smell of lavender naturally reduces the body’s fight-or-flight response and calms anxiety. 

• Water deeply but infrequently.
• Make sure soil is dry before watering.
• FULL SUN

SPIDER PLANTS: 

Spider plants look beautiful in pots that are hung from the ceiling because their long leaves cascade over the rim. 

• Water once a week.
• Always keep in a room temperate area.
• FULL SUN

SUCCULENTS: 

Succulents are ideal for students because they are primarily indoor plants that require very little maintenance. 

• Water every other week.
• Rotating the plant every so often so it gets sun from all angles.
• FULL SUN

TURTLE VINE: 

Turtle vine adds texture to the floor of your garden, as it grows to only 4 centimeters. 

• Bright, indirect light is best.
• Water every time the top few inches of soil become dry.
• HALF SUN