The Beginner’s Guide to Starting a Garden from Scratch

Where do you even start if your dream is to turn that blank slate into a gorgeous garden? You’ve just moved into a new house. The keys are in your hands, you’re staring at your front door and also at a lot of lawn and maybe some unappealing landscaping. Good thing, plant friends, that I got to dive into this question with ecologist, writer, and new author Becky Searle ( @sow_much_more ), who just wrote Grow a New Garden ! The book is all about how garden design can work with instead of against nature, so you can create the most low-maintenance, balanced garden possible. Let's get started! In this episode, we learn: [02:49] How Becky’s background in ecology shaped her gardening style [03:45] Writing Grow a New Garden during lockdown [06:03] Becky's different homes and the changes to her garden [07:37] What’s the one rose that follows Becky to every home? [09:16] Propagating roses: soil vs. water cuttings [11:23] Native vs. diverse plantings: what really helps pollinators prosper? [12:47] Why is biodiversity important? [14:28] How I let nature lead instead of controlling it [15:24] Give your plants the best with Espoma Organic's chemical-free soils, fertilizers, and plant foods! [16:36] Move from overwhelm to action with the Square Foot Gardening Planner ! [18:05] Why you shouldn’t design a garden like an interior space [19:09] How to survive the pest invasion phase? [20:46] What steps should you take to get your garden functioning as an ecosystem? [24:18] How to track light and shade before you plant [25:41] The LEGO hack to visualize sunlight throughout the year [27:25] What to build first? (sheds, ponds, greenhouses, and compost areas) [28:37] Why potted plants help you “test-drive” your design [29:39] How to choose the right plants for your soil, light, and climate [31:28] What are plant communities ? [32:55] Becky’s favorite combo: rudbeckia, grasses, and alchemilla mollis [34:37] Common beginner mistakes in garden design [38:38] Where should you look for inspiration to design your garden? (beyond Pinterest) [40:46] Why talking to local gardeners beats Googling every question [42:16] Becky’s advice for first-time homeowners starting their first garden! [43:19] Where can you find Becky and her book Grow a New Garden ? Mentioned in our conversation: Grow a New Garden by Becky Searle For beginner gardening tips from gardening expert Becky Searle, check out the show notes and full blog here! Follow Becky: Website Instagram YouTube Facebook Thank you to our episode sponsors: Espoma Organic Visit espoma.com to find your local Espoma dealer or check my Amazon storefront . Quarto: The Square Foot Gardening Planner Pre-order The Square Foot Gardening Planner (coming October 21, 2025) at quarto.com or find it wherever you buy gardening books — and start transforming your blank space into a flourishing garden. Follow Maria and Growing Joy: Order my book: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha Leung Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Party Community Platform & App AKA the plantiest and kindest corner of the internet! Get your FREE 2-week trial here ! Take the Plant Parent Personality Quiz (Get the perfect plants, projects and educational resources for YOUR Lifestyle) Support Bloom and Grow Radio by becoming a Plant Friend on Patreon ! Instagram: @growingjoywithmaria Tiktok: @growingjoywithmaria Subscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmaria Website: www.growingjoywithmaria.com Pinterest: @growingjoywithmaria Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.