I'd Like to Be a Gardener, But I Don't Have a Green Thumb

I’ll be honest. I love the outdoors. Whether I’m at home or on an outdoor-inspired vacation, I gravitate to being outside. I think it’s good for my mind and body. But lately, rather than sitting on the porch or going for a walk, I’ve been focused on outdoor gardening projects.

Maybe it’s because I had a small taste of gardening success with a kitchen garden this summer, but I’ve decided I’m going to dive in head first into this gardening thing. But do not be fooled, I do not have a green thumb, nor do I know any scientific names of plants. I’m just a girl who wants to be outside and grow pretty things!

Facing the Green Thumb Myth

Here’s the truth. As I mentioned, I do not have a green thumb. Not quite yet, anyway. I’m barely more than a beginner. Aside from my kitchen garden this past summer and a few houseplants, my gardening experience is minimal. In fact, one summer I was plant sitter for my daughter, and didn’t realize I needed to rotate it. By the time she came home the plant had grown crooked- and still is to this day. So I have a lot to learn, but you know what that’s okay. It should inspire you that you too, can do this.

Some things I’m doing to make gardening manageable as a beginner:

Start small. A couple containers or one raised bed is plenty. Herbs like basil, parsley, or chives are almost impossible to kill and perfect for beginners. I’m not great at this, hence my recent order of 500 bulbs, but it’s good advice nonetheless.
Keep it simple. Most plants just want sunlight and water.
Focus on the process. Mistakes are part of it. It’s okay. You live and learn.
Learn from failure. Deer, too much rain, or an overgrown squash bed? Every hiccup teaches you something new. These are all things I learned this summer.

Picturing My Cottage Garden

I can picture it: soft flowers here, herbs there, maybe a vegetable tucked somewhere in the mix. Something relaxed, not perfect—more “cottage charm” than Pinterest board. Don’t get me wrong, I’ll take a good Pinterest board cottage garden though.

I can picture myself in the garden, checking on plants, snipping fresh flowers, and enjoying a peaceful morning with coffee in hand. That’s what I’m looking forward to.

My First Kitchen Garden

Last spring, I planted my first little kitchen garden—two small beds, some herbs, a few veggies. Honestly, I was proud—and surprised—when things didn’t die immediately. Cutting fresh herbs for dinner or grabbing a couple of jalapeños felt more satisfying than I expected.

Basil thrived. Peppers were resilient. Cucumbers and squash were obnoxious. I’ll grow those vertically next time around.

Next year, I plan to expand a bit, experimenting with vegetables that are easy for beginners and look forward to growing my own food.

Planning for the Year

Right now, I’m in the planning stage. Where will I plant bulbs? Which hydrangeas should go where? What do I want to grow for my kitchen?

I’ve been reading about soil, sunlight, deer-resistant plants, and planting zones. The most important reminder: it doesn’t have to be perfect. Some plants will fail. Some will surprise me. Deer or rabbits will nibble a few (hopefully not a lot). Either way, planning and planting my cottage garden is half the fun.

I do not expect perfection. But I am keeping my fingers crossed, that I have beautiful blooms and a transformed yard in 2026- let’s see what blooms!