10 Golden Rules of Gardening

Gardening can be hard but a few simple rules can make it easier and lead to regular gardening success. Gardener Scott shares 10 Golden Rules of Gardening that every gardener can follow to garden better and to lead to more happy time in the garden. (Video #335)
Join the Gardener Scott channel to get access to perks. Click the "JOIN" button or link here:
/ @gardenerscott
Click this link to SUBSCRIBE: / @gardenerscott
Planta Greenhouses:
plantagreenhouses.com/gardenerscott
Use code "GARDENERSCOTT" for $150 discount
You can support the channel with Gardener Scott merchandise like T-shirts and mugs at the Gardener Scott Store: / @gardenerscott
To order a GreenStalk vertical garden system, click on this affiliate link:
lddy.no/kdvq
Use code "GARDENERSCOTT" for a $10 discount.
If you're looking for quality seeds and gardening supplies check out True Leaf Market:
www.pntrac.com/t/8-11415-2422...
If you use Amazon and want to buy anything at all, click through with this affiliate link: www.amazon.com/?tag=gardenersc...
Check out Gardener Scott's Recommended Gardening Books at: bookshop.org/shop/gardenerscott
#EnjoyGardening #GardenerScott
Links included in this description and referenced in videos might be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you purchase a product or service with the links I provide, I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you for those affiliate links and your support allows me to provide free content every week on the Gardener Scott channel.
Thank you for your support!

[@apiecemaker1163]

Thank you Mr Scott. For making it ok that we all aren’t the same. We have different incomes, health issues, tastes, and taste buds. Some channels push products so much now that it takes away from their channel. I garden because I like it. I could buy all the vegetables we need but there is so much joy, peace, and well being to be found digging in the soil. Thank you sir for teaching us not only the process of growing but how to enjoy that process.

[@annwood6812]

What I have learned is that love, care and patience won't persuade plants to grow in a zone they aren't meant for.

[@doraw7766]

Yes. Gardening is rocket science. Just tell my stubborn plants it isn't hahaha Thanks.

[@Gkrissy]

I love to observe the birds and neighbor cats that visit my garden too. Thanks for reminding us that everyone garden is unique because my father tries to tell me what to do with my garden and we have different styles and interests.

[@TalkingThreadsMedia]

Scott, you nailed it! 1) Soil is key 2) Right plant in the right place 3) Grow at the right time 4) Your garden is unique 5) Grow what YOU want 6) Start slowly and grow incrementally 7) Develop a plan 8) Patience 9) Observe everything 10) Document everything Our soil in West Olympia is clay and glacial till. Lots of amendments over the years. Our growing season is usually 4/17 - 10/9. My very first garden was 10x12. Wish it was more, but now it is up to 7400 sq ft. The “plan” is a photocopy of the of the outline of the garden (with dimensions) - pencil markings to show what goes where, number of plants, and when they got transplanted. Been keeping Growing Journals (with photos) since 2015. Yes, everything gets documented - plant spacing, row spacing, what works, what doesn’t, unusual growing conditions, type and appearance of bugs, addition of compost, harvest, etc) I cannot answer questions for other locations, but it sure helps when members of the garden club ask questions about growing conditions in our area and when to get various plants started. Best wishes, Kate

[@janicejurgensen2122]

It’s as if you can read my mind! Everyone I start to get muddled and overwhelmed, a YT video you posted helps me get through it. Your no stress manner is infectious! Thank you for sharing your time!

[@simplifygardening]

The good thing about gardening is you can still get it wrong and succeed but each year is a learning experience mate. I'd like to have a chat soon if you are up for that. be good to catch up mate. Excellent tips and a great video.

[@amygriffith3598]

I love going out and harvesting fresh salad and herbs before dinner!

[@lisametzger-gott6049]

Thank you for this quiet, thoughtful midwinter reminder. Much appreciated.

[@69elsaha]

Last year I have started my first garden. 4 raised beds, and 2 low beds. I was experimenting with different types of soil. Year before that i created a composter with black soil and earth worms that I already had under the lawn. I've learned a lot. Some soil I had was to hard. So i added compost and my worms. Now soil is perfect in that raised bed. I also learned how the sun goes, and how much of any plant I consume, what I can preserve, and how they grow. All my raised beds are on pallets, because of earth works around me. So if needed I can move them. Wneh finally earth works will stop I can establish beds and invest in biochar. Last year was a massive learning curve for me, and your channel help me a lot. Anything that I used to create my garden is upcycled, except the seeds on beginning. Now I swap seeds with my friends. What I learned is that garden will not be always perfect, but some parts will. That is always next year for improvement :) Elsaha Poland 🇵🇱

[@budj13]

Exceptional video, Scott. After a career in technical domains I've learned that the sign of a real expert in any subject is the person who can distill the complexity into simple, explainable terms. You distilled gardening brilliantly! All of us gardeners, new or old, benefit from remembering your 10 rules.

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks, Bud!

[@highlandscommunityclub1160]

Thank you for the “grow what YOU want” advise!! A member of my household questions my potato planting, and even though we don’t eat a lot of potatoes they will get eaten, and just as importantly, I will get more experience growing them, and someday hope for a truly successful harvest! This year I’m planting them in buckets, instead of grow bags, which I think dried out too easily.

[@waynesell3681]

Thank you for your encouragement.. Golden!

[@theelpydimension]

Thank you for sharing this as I know these are helpful "rules" for the new and experienced gardener. I appreciate being reminded to keep these things in mind always.

[@HoosierBenzo]

Great video! I agree with each and every one of these. Also, this vid gave me serious Bob Ross vibes, in the best way possible

[@lispottable]

I can’t believe you are sitting there in the sun. We are having crazy snow and -12 degrees here in northern co. 🥶

[@eliandkate]

You are full of awesome advice :D

[@stephenhope7319]

All solid tips. Gardening is almost a cathartic release. So relaxing when all is well. Who has not made a mistake? Sure, learning from experience is the slow way to learn but it happens in the garden and there is always the compost bin for the "gone-wrongs". Thanks Gardner Scott for another great video.

[@satishkochhar9261]

Thanks for Exellent knowledge

[@Sasklahoma]

Great video. Spent two days last week. Im zone 8. Amending my raised bed soil I brought in from a pasture. I was amazed, as I added what was needed by hand to my beds, how relaxed and almost trancelike it became. Very cathartic

[@growinglongisland]

Soil is key!

[@adelineparinduri]

I moved to Canada from the tropics a few years ago. I started gardening just a couple of months after arrival with 3 tomato plants and 1 potato, all in containers 😊 I didn't want to miss the season. Everything I knew about how to garden since I was a child back in tropics didn't matter 😁 A clean start, and I've been enjoying the process til now. You're a great educator, Scott. Thank you for keeping it simple for us all to learn. It could be overwhelming. Best wishes from Alberta.

[@dustyflats3832]

I hang a free calendar in my greenhouse. It is super convenient to jot on it when/what I planted, when squash vine borer first showed up, fertilizer applied, harvest time, special weather events and any other aspect I might want to remember. Inside I keep a 3 ring binder with pocket pages to keep empty seed packets and loose leaf paper to jot info down about the seeds and how they did. Like the Buttercup squash, it was prolific and great tasting! The fact the squash and pie pumpkin looked heat stroked in afternoon, but the water melon were terrific handling the heat. Planning on growing more mammoth sunflowers on the west for shade and constructing moveable overhead shade fabric on shower rings and cable so I can adjust as needed. Hope it works. Last summer in zone 5 WI the sun curled the tomato leaves, sunburned some tomatoes and tended to mush out some strawberries. The green peppers weren't very happy at all. Great points today and thank you as gardening ng has always been my passion and we are always learning.

[@valoriegriego5212]

Nice one, Gardener Scott. You are helping me become a better gardener! I'm so excited for the gardening year upon us!👩🏾‍🌾 Your fur baby was having a great time! You spent all that money on Christmas gifts for them when you could have tickled them to no end with a big stick and a snow cone.😄

[@tammyohlsson7966]

Loved this one! Moved from zone 7a to 9b. What a difference hot and dry, to wet and hot. Right plant, right time is huge. Thank you! Blessings!

[@serrielu8025]

The Shepador was retrieving somebody’s stick. 🙂

[@kayapapaya]

I was wondering about the dog! I ❤️ Shepradors 😃

[@litaanderson1589]

Thanks Mr. Scott for this video and all your teaching videos. You are showing us the simplest easy to follow rules to keep in mind to put in practice. I have been gardening for 30 yrs. also and still learning from my mistakes. I started to use journal for documentation and it does help a lot to remember what works or not work from previous experience, and I try to jot down my daily chores (like when i transplant, fertilized, watered, etc.) and write down dates. Also figure out how much seedlings i can fit in my whole garden area. Remember your planting zone is a must(previously i never learn my past experiences I plant too soon because of anxiousness to get those plants in. Anyway Thank you Mr. Scott for enlightening us and your expertise loved all your videos.

[@dwaynewladyka577]

Thanks so much for your valuable information. Cheers, Scott! ✌️

[@christinebrooks6364]

Thanks for sharing all thus information & take care 🙂

[@sameskdc]

Utah zone 5b. Great video. Green house is the dream some day.

[@sbffsbrarbrr]

Illinois, Zone 5b......same for me....will try to start this year on a greenhouse. I've collected the old windows. Now just need to find someone to help me build 😊

[@shadyman6346]

Patience was the most difficult principle for me to grasp in my garden. Spring is coming!! Scott’s videos remind me, when weather won’t.

[@takeitslowhomestead5218]

Thanks for the great rules! I’m in a similar zone in Utah, so I can easily relate to most of the subject matter in your videos.

[@deecooper1567]

GM Gardener Scott ☕️☕️. Chomping at the bit here in Winnemucca Nevada . We’re still in the teens/twenties at night & maybe in the living w 50s daytime. Going to start cool weather crops soon indoors & hope the weather is nice this year. Btw, your peacock yard decor is mesmerizing as it bobs in the breeze 🦚. Have a great day 👵🏻👩‍🌾❣️

[@karlajames9115]

I wanted to thank you about using a calendar. I hadn’t thought of that and when I looked at my last frost date for central Missouri, I realised that I can start my seeds in the next couple of weeks!! I love watching my babies grow. If I had not watched your video, I would not have started until much later!! Love your channel

[@anniecochrane3359]

Thanks!! Great tips to remember

[@rosem6604]

Such good advice. I'm in my third year of potted plants (no soil patch here). I've learned so much already but seems patience has not grown as my flowers do. We have mild winters and I've been waiting impatiently for my snapdragons and pansies to come out already for a couple of months now. Threw more seeds in the pots and stared at them menacingly to try to scare them into germinating. But that didn't work. What worked was a lot of rain and the right time for them and now I'm dealing with dozens of pansy and dragon babies, trying to find room for all of them. But I'm so happy now :) Also learned that pineapple takes 2-3 years to fruit so I can't expect anything this year yet. Thanks!

[@dougandconniemulvihill8508]

Thank you for the reminder to grow what we actually will eat or want to look at in our gardens. I used to garden a lot with my dad and I tend to grow what he grew but I actually like a lot of different stuff that he didn't really grow so I am changing my garden plans for this year thanks to your video.

[@dustyflats3832]

Second comment. A great show idea would be on how to streamline the garden for those of us who plan on gardening into those Golden Years🤣 I am starting already by orienting everything N/S and finding permanent place for cattle panels as they are not easy to move. Then a streamlined simple irrigation system that I can run soakerhoses down off main trunk. There really is a lot to think about.

[@GardenerScott]

That's a great idea, Chris. It's on my list of gardening themes to develop.

[@heidiclark6612]

Thank You for the great garden golden rules.I learn so much from you!

[@hawker3293]

Important and encouraging information. Thank you, Gardener Scott, always a pleasure to watch your highly educational videos.

[@umiluv]

Hehe. I have a garden journal, a planner where I’m tracking the weather and the dates I plant things, and I have a graph paper journal for my layouts and any technical drawings needed like how to measure out grow bag sizes so I can sew them myself. So much to learn. I have to keep notes!

[@northeasthardytropicals541]

Well said my friend

[@FloridaGirl-]

You give such great advice Gardner Scott! 👍. Love your channel!

[@jenpaige3110]

I wish I could see my garden... we have 3 inches of snow 😮‍💨

[@debbiemaddock9509]

Hello from Lancashire in the UK. Excellent points, I have wasted so much money on plants over the years because I lacked the insight that I'm just starting to develop now, I used to just hope for the best scenario, things died or thrived but I never took the time to realise or understand why, how come ... however I'm gaining more of an understanding thanks to your very helpful vlogs thank you 😊

[@janicejurgensen2122]

Love this! Inspiring and very helpful!!

[@memilli126]

As always top notch information. I am now in week three of the Georgia Master Gardener program. Your channel was the influence to look into a program, in Georgia. It’s pretty intensive but I am learning loads. Thanks for all you do!

[@GardenerScott]

That's great! Enjoy the program.

[@juliehorney995]

Congratulations! Have fun!

[@gabygarcia8367]

Wonderful class! Thank you!

[@sharonholmes4444]

THANK YOU 💟☺️🌿💚🌿

[@tranthiduyen615]

Xin chào anh, chúc anh ngày mới tốt lành

[@gwendyrose8905]

After watching one of your previous videos, I realized that my "documentation" habits were SEVERALY lacking! So, last year, I put together a 3-ring binder (keeping track of 10 raised beds takes up a LOT of space!) with ALL of the information I could get my hands on! I had tabs to divide things up and post-it note flags to help me go into frequently used areas quicker (i.e. dividing my tomatoes from my herbs from my flowers, etc.). One of the areas that I tried to document last year was the snow peas I grew. I LOVE snow peas, but I had NO IDEA which variety I liked the best. So, I chose 3 different varieties to grow to see what the differences were. The year before, I had grown a hybrid variety that didn't grow very tall, but I wasn't happy with the flavor (even though i got an AMAZING harvest!). So, I grew it again with 2 other heirloom/open pollinated varieties just in case it was an odd year. When I harvested the snow peas this time, I compared the growth of each variety, the harvest amount of each variety and how much I liked the flavor of each variety. Ironically enough, the variety that I ended up liking the best was NOT the variety I was expecting! This year, when I started planning out my garden for this season, I couldn't remember which of the three varieties I liked the best. But, then I remembered that I had documented that and now I know which of the 3 to plant this year! :D SSSOOOO glad I took your advice! While I still have a LONG way to go with my documentation being consistent, I will DEFINITELY be trying to do better with my documentation this year. :) Thanks again for all of the suggestions. I know they have certainly helped me grow as a gardener! Sending love and blessings from mid-MO zone 6a. :)

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks for sharing your story, Gwendy. You're doing it right.

[@ivethgo2876]

💚💚💚💚💚 The last year I try many kinds of tomatoes, well...... a lot! And this year I know what I want to grow again, will be just 4 of them. Oh! And Just 2 plants of squash 😅 that made me crazy last year I was thinking to build a house with squash. 😅😅😅 Sorry I'm trying to write in English 🙃

[@stephenmoberg8807]

I’m a firm believer that you can always do better - in everything in life. You always inspire me to do better. Thanks as always -Steve Moberg zone 6 b gardener .

[@anidnmeno]

"go ahead and start accumulating seeds" If that ain't the word... i near on need a plow to get through all the seeds that have accumulated in my storage XD

[@anapaulacrawford5837]

Number goal I believe it should be never give up. Is so much to learn. Example, just as the temps got below freezing in southeast Texas this weekend I lost what I could grow in the winter. But even than I can't give up but move forward. Thank you for what you do. God bless 🙏🏼

[@Beefinator5000]

I started with a few containers and have moved up to two raised beds. Appreciate all the information you've uploaded that's helped me every step of the way. Thank you!

[@mslove9191]

Thank You! You make a Difference!

[@icsouls]

Awesome video, 😀

[@nevinhillyard6725]

Hi Gardener Scott, Really enjoy your videos. The calendar use is definitely vital for planning and looking back at the dates for planting and harvesting. Look forward to seeing your greenhouse in use. I have the same one here in Newfoundland but in zone 5a.

[@kayapapaya]

This fellow Newfoundlander (5b) was about to make the same comment!

[@ItsJustGardening]

Thank you, these are great 👍 tips.

[@Inpreesme]

Thank you

[@HondenBegrip]

Could you please do a video about how you would build the soil in your greenhouse from scratch? Regards from the Netherlands 🇳🇱

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks for the suggestion. I am planning a video to discuss how I built the soil when I start growing in it.

[@AshishGardening]

Nice video 👍

[@PioneerValleyKate]

Thank you Gardener Scott for all of the helpful info. Will you be doing any videos coming up about what can be started in your greenhouse? I live in MA which I believe is a similar zone to you & I would love more info on starting things in the greenhouse. 🙂

[@GardenerScott]

Yes, I'm planning quite a few future greenhouse videos.

[@mattwandcow]

Another video where you can replace "Gardening" with "Running D&D" and it's still good information.

[@brianseybert2189]

Wish you would have put out this video 3 years ago (and I found it). Made bunches of mistakes and assuredly, I will make plenty more. My favorite point you just made was on observation. That is the main reason I decided against some sort of irrigation system, actually I had it all planed out using 5 gallon buckets. I not only enjoy going out and watering, but I see things that may have gone unnoticed. Like last year, was watering the straw bales and noticed some bugs on my zucchini. My second year of growing zucchini and this was my first exposure to squash bugs. Because I caught them early it was just a matter of pulling the effected leaf, a little pruning and never saw another squash bug. Had I had the straw bales on an irrigation system the squash bugs could have destroyed my zucchini. I love being out in the garden, observing the nature surrounding me can be more rewarding than the harvests.

[@Bev437Sqn]

Excellent. I made a note in my journal of the rules 🙂

[@GardenKatt]

Excellent

[@BestBirth]

Thank you for this! I always enjoy the nuggets of wisdom you give so freely.

[@CharliePFoogo]

Wow! You just delivered your best video ever. Thank you.

[@kittiew260]

Awesome video & so very valuable points. Thank you so much for making this video.

[@billbalch6549]

Thank you for all of the information I’ve been able to utilize in my garden! My kids call it dad’s therapy! Last year (my first) was zen and bountiful, counting the days for my bounty and your right about winter doesn’t stop the work and thought process. Keep productive and thank you for your feeds.

[@rosalbacolombo263]

Bravo

[@bruceanable7739]

He said he’s a Colorado zone 5B, i’m Massachusetts 5B

[@TJtheHAWK]

Awesome video Scott. Love the tips. Always good to refresh the memory on a few of them. I'm curious what you plan on planting inside your greenhouse. It looks like your soil inside is thawed already...could you potentially put cold hardy seeds in the ground now?

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks! It still gets too cold at night even for cold-hardy seeds, but I'll be growing some of them soon.

[@SWilliams655]

Love your videos but one note: Apple trees do fruit in Houston, just have limited variety options.

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks for that info.

[@eyesblade]

Love your stuff! Learned and learning still. What are your thoughts on more vermi videos in the future to tackle some of the feeding and bedding issues (i.e. how to hone in on feeding)? What to look for when prepping for 2nd bin, etc. Cheers from TX (BTW, it's snowing here today!)

[@GardenerScott]

I am planning more vermi videos beyond what I already have. Not sure when though.

[@johnjude2685]

I got apples in 3 years, depending upon types

[@WR4SSE]

Scott. to the best of your knowledge is there a chart of recommended soil type based on climate region. I live in western Australia. Very hot and very sandy. I wonder if any clever experts have applied their know how to this topic. I also would like to go into more details and specifics about your planning systems/methods. Thanks for the down to earth videos.

[@GardenerScott]

I'm not aware of such a chart. Amending with organic matter can improve soil regardless of the type.

[@SanDiegoCaliforniaUSA]

Do you grow any native fruits or vegetables to your area? Be interesting to see what type of native edibles are around you to grow.

[@GardenerScott]

There really aren't any native fruits or vegetables in my area. Some wild asparagus and wild strawberries grow in the mountain foothills and I have asparagus and strawberry cultivars in my garden.

[@acupuncter]

That's a beautiful greenhouse. Where can I get one like it? And thanks.

[@GardenerScott]

It's a Planta greenhouse.

[@acupuncter]

@@GardenerScott super. Thank you greatly.

[@terrireis2093]

Do you have any videos on how to grow green peppers?

[@GardenerScott]

I mention them in a few videos. I'll have a dedicated video this summer.

[@bsjourney8545]

Hi Gardener Scott, I have a question. What’s the difference between wood chips and bagged wood mulch? I am confused on what type of mulch is best to use in the garden to help with water conservation (weed-free straw/wood mulch/wood chips/leaves/grass)

[@GardenerScott]

Bagged wood mulch is often bark or a blend of chips and bark. They are good for landscape plants. For vegetable plants I use straw, crushed leaves, and grass.

[@bsjourney8545]

@@GardenerScott thank you

[@frankbarnwell____]

Don't bet on early peas when it's gonna freeze?

[@treesha3427]

Hail to thee, Gardener Scott! ...I have a question I'd just love you to address: WALL O WATERS. I bought some a while back and have never used them. The claim is that they will protect plants to 10 degrees F. , and it seems likely to be true..... But how can I make the most of them? ...I would love to hear any advice regarding these (or similar) season extenders.

[@GardenerScott]

I have used Wall O' Water over the years and had good success with them growing in cold and snowy conditions. Here's my video on them: kzbin.info/www/bejne/inyqXqSeiKaLa80

[@treesha3427]

Oh great! I haven't seen that video. Thanks for sending me there and also in general for sharing your knowledge and wisdom. ...Blessed be to you and yours💚

[@danmcmillan9452]

Where did you get your hoop house? Thanks

[@GardenerScott]

It is a Planta greenhouse.

[@bashaberl1428]

How do you treat an outbreak of rust?

[@GardenerScott]

I haven't had a problem with rust yet, but here is some info on that: extension.umn.edu/plant-diseases/cedar-apple-rust#managing-rust-on-apples%2C-hawthorns%2C-and-other-plants-in-the-rosaceae-family-1172760

[@borracho-joe7255]

One more game for Stafford!

[@smhollanshead]

I question don’t listen to others. Plant what you want to plant. Do what you want to do. What if you want to grow orchids in Alaska? Before you do something stupid, you might want to talk with an experienced gardener in your area. The question to ask is: what plants grows well here? You could spend thousands of dollars and hundreds of hours just to fail. Be willing to listen to the more experienced gardeners and learn from their mistakes.

[@GardenerScott]

The point wasn't to not listen to others but to not blindly follow recommendations from regions that don't match yours. I always encourage talking to local nurseries and gardeners in your area to find out what's best to grow.

[@krickette5569]

If I could do what I wanted to do I'd have to relocate half the people in the U. S. to another country so I'd have enough room to garden.

[@Octoschizare]

Scientists can spend a lot of time and struggle to get things right too...