7 Things I WISH I Knew Before Starting My Garden

ABUNDANCE! Join Brian as he walks you through 7 MUST KNOW things before you start your garden. He'll give you insight on key factors that will shift your perspective on gardening and give you the confidence you need to break ground. Grow the vegetable garden of your dreams with Redleaf!
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[@katiecakesl4691]

I can't thank you enough. I am looking at buying a home with 6 acres on the other side of the country, and it comes with a chicken coop! I can't wait to live my stardew valley dreams full of ABUNDANCE!

[@grey7070]

Okay meadowland farm! (I've been playing all day lol)

[@RedleafRanch]

Abundance!!! I'm so excited for you! Love your Stardew Valley fantasy!!! 💛

[@ShayNikki]

As much as I love you on TikTok, I really think KZbin is your platform and I’m really enjoying your content! You’re an abundance of knowledge and need all the time you can get to educate us! I’m in zone 6a so about a 6 weeks behind you, but I’m looking forward to following along this growing season 😊

[@Powerfamilygarden]

For my garden, I planted a native garden near the vegetable and fruit garden. I added bird feeders and a water feature. The water feature is cleaned by plant life and has a solar powered fountain to keep the water moving. These things gives the wildlife something else other than my crops. Take a look at the Wildlife habitat certification program. I did that for mine and I was able to get certified and it has brought so much biodiversity to my space. I posted the placard on my fence near the garden. There is also a certification for pollinator gardens as well if you want to keep the biodiversity going.

[@RedleafRanch]

This all sounds INCREDIBLE! I’ll definitely look into the certification. I love everything you’re doing 🥹💛

[@brownchristine8]

I'm in the Arizona low desert zone 9b and when we started our garden instead of testing out easy things like green onions we went backwards and started with 6 trees 😅 figured it's harder to forget about something that's as tall as you are 😂

[@RedleafRanch]

There’s no wrong way to start your journey!! Abundance 💛

[@kaylakthulhu8623]

Love that when my mom started her garden, she grew everything right in her backyard soil. I don't think she ever really bought new soil, mulch, or even fertilizer. Thanks for validating this as a way that I can start my garden! I was a bit worried about having to buy soil as an upfront cost!

[@RedleafRanch]

It really depends on your soil but it’s always a good place to start!! With No Till Gardening or solarizing a space, you can amend soil relatively quickly and start a garden bed!

[@xXxShareBearxXx]

I’m in Las Vegas and have just played around with peppers and tomatoes. But recently finding your channel is inspiring me to start growing more veggies!! Thanks for all the tips. I’m hoping for that ABUNDANCE!!!! 🧚🏻

[@eravsl]

Abundance!! I grow in zone 9A in Pflugerville Texas. I’ve been gardening for about 4 years now and I am definitely still learning. So videos like this are very valuable. All of your points are valid! Thank you for sharing!

[@janae23]

Last year I was going to try really hard at my first time gardening but then the cicada swarm came and the stinkbugs were everywhere. I was too freaked out to go outside. Thanks for sharing your knowledge, and also you have such calm, funny personality- you're awesome! Wish me luck 😅

[@Mamasage62Kim]

I am growing a garden for a family of four this year. But I want it all! Just a nice size backyard, not a huge area but going to mix and match in there. Abundance to you!

[@bearlythere2388]

I’m at home sick af, and for some reason your videos make me feel better 😊

[@nicholea9792]

I failed pretty hard in 2020 when I tried gardening for the first time and this year I'm gonna try again, I got your book and I'm going to do raised beds this time, hopefully I'll be more successful

[@kaylakthulhu8623]

I grew huge pumpkins in 2020! My friend who was staying with us was given a little pumpkin set with soil and a little burlap bag, and we had a good 7 little plants! Reached so far across our lawn 😂 it was not expected

[@alyssaweisblatt3295]

Sending support and resiliency! I hope that Brian’s gardening community from TikTok migrates here so that we all can share information and what we’ve learned together too.

[@RedleafRanch]

You got this! It’s all about learning and trying again!

[@GardenRose7282]

​@@RedleafRanch newer watcher here. Would love some more videos about chicken "farming". Maybe something similar to this like "things to know before". I have reeeeaaaally wanted to start keeping a few chickens and I really like ypur content. Your voice is soothing and my tism doesnt block it out as much as some other gardening creators. Some voices are just easier to listen to 🤷‍♀️

[@alyssaweisblatt3295]

Saving this one to my Gardening playlist! Thanks for this one! Tennessee climate and ecosystem is different from New England climate and ecosystem.

[@RedleafRanch]

Abundance!! It’s so important to learn your ecosystem 💛

[@kndacus]

Yay! So happy to find a KZbin gardener also in Middle Tennessee/7b! I've got a new setup inside this year for seed starting, and my pepper seeds have already all germinated and started growing after only a week!!! I accidentally planted cabbage and Brussels sprouts too late last fall -- yet they're still out there trying to hang on, even after the hard freeze we had a couple of weeks ago. Looking forward to learning from you this gardening season!

[@jao54]

Abundance! ✨ I live in an apartment and have bought store bought basil already started and I’ve been able to grow it so tall to the point of repotting! I was so proud of myself! Unfortunately that’s all I’ve attempted but I’m hoping during the summer I can try doing peppers and tomatoes!

[@RedleafRanch]

I'm so proud of you!! Abundance!!! 🤩

[@Teallosiss]

ABUNDANCEEE!! I think the 7 conditions most important to me is 1. Love 2. Love 3. Love 4. Love 5. Love 6. Love 7. Love

[@RedleafRanch]

Why did this make me teary eyed? Abundance of LOVE!!!!

[@AlbertBanania]

How relaxing it is relating to everything you say and feel so cozy and happy to every bits of the whole video 💓

[@lililiiisa]

I am loving the long format videos! You have such a calming presence that I've needed in our current state of things. I've gardened for several years now but this is such a good review to start the year with. Can't wait to see the abundance this year brings 💗🌱

[@arlenesolis024]

ABUDANCE: Thank you so much for your fantastic advice. I can't wait to start my little garden. I have a small balcony, and I'm mapping out my space to plan effectively. Gardening is about growth, and with growth, you learn from your mistakes and thrive.

[@RedleafRanch]

Yes! Exactly. You got this! 🤩

[@hannahwong1602]

What is a good crop, herb or flowers to start with?

[@courtneystewart8006]

Such valuable info!!!❤❤

[@moll1991]

Great tips! I have a family member in Alaska wanting to start gardening this year. I’m going to send her this video. 🥰 I appreciate you!!

[@RedleafRanch]

You’re welcome! 💕 Alaska gardening is a challenge, but it’s totally doable!!!

[@jamiewatson3605]

In addition to this one, if you want to give them more specific to their zone videos send them to Simply Living Alaska, as well. They always do a good garden.

[@TessA-es3if]

Thank you so much for the video. It's great to have someone with a lot of experience teaching the important aspects of gardening. I love watching your "abundance" shorts. They make me smile and encourage me to venture outside the box. You're a blessing, more than you know.

[@shortnikki1]

ABUNDANCE! Intention- giving back and providing for my own family (I run a community garden). Zone-6b (Michigan) Light-I have half full sun and half partial shade Soil-it’s darkish soil but I would like to send in a soil sample. Water- I have city water so it’s hard but would like to find a different solution. Mulch-I would like to mulch on top of the soil this year. Time- I can hand water most afternoons and evening ish Wildlife- lots of bunnies. Thank you for pointing that out. We only have one garden that is fenced in but the rest of the beds are accessible to the critters. The only bugs I have an issue with is Aphids but I would like to learn how to bring in native ladybugs this year to help. Space- oof yeah the leafy plants took me by surprise too! haha Thanks for the video! Made me step back and think about a lot of the basics! ❤

[@RedleafRanch]

I can’t love this enough! Thank you for taking the time to share, I hope it really helps you grow so much more abundance this year!!!

[@brizing5671]

I’m in Michigan too! 😄 I thought we were 5b lol thank you 😊 now I can look into some zone 6 plants also if you want to know what to plant here look up :planting calendar in ( your town) also if you have any tips lemme know if a new gardener 😊

[@shortnikki1]

@@brizing5671 Michigan is pretty special because the zone can vary all the way from zone 4 (in the U.P) up to zone 6 (by the coast line). We have it all 🥴. And thank you I will search for that calendar. Do you have a website that you like most? When I try to find grow calendars for a specific area they make me pay. Which is fine. But free resources are always nice too.

[@marim0y]

I do not have a garden or even a yard, but I was fully invested in this video from beginning to end. I learned a lot. Thank you.

[@samanthajoy1]

I am sooooo happy you are on KZbin!!!! Do I live in an apartment yes am I taking notes YES 😅

[@RedleafRanch]

Take them notes!! You can never be too prepared!

[@angieschmidt3218]

I just love you! Thank you for thinking of the wildlife and teaching others to do the same! ❤ i love all your videos! They are all an Abundance of love

[@wild-radio7373]

Olla's are Clutch. Red clay pots Buried in the soil, filled with water, slowly hydrated roots!!❤ Water Is Life

[@grey7070]

I'm getting a greenstalk for my balcony! It gets great light so I'm hoping for the best. I want to share homegrown food with my friends and neighbors ❤

[@RedleafRanch]

You’re going to love sharing it with them! 💚

[@Boozybartrailers]

Thanks!

[@quirkyviper]

I'm SO glad KZbin suggested this to me! Subbed and can't wait for more!

[@RedleafRanch]

Aw me too!! So happy you’re here 💛

[@sarahkhajehgari5904]

Abundance! Thank you so much for pointing out the importance to grow WITH nature and not against it! I think your followers are mostly young people that may have not even thought about that. Also I wanted to say you're the first channel on KZbin I followed ever, because I love your content from Insta 💚 Sending Love and good vibes from Bavaria, Germany 👋🏻

[@kittykatlmt]

You have inspired me to grow something! Probably herbs to start but I would love to grow a salsa garden one day. So glad I found you ❤

[@taurusandlibra2638]

Abundance! I live in the woods, so I have a LOT of wild neighbors. I live in an area where spicy peppers are not native, but one of the local critters ate ALL of my pepper plants! More than once! Every time new leaves would grow back, they’d all be gone the next morning! I thought capsaicin was a deterrent, but turns out it’s a favorite at the garden buffet 😭😭 I only got 2 peppers that season

[@taurusandlibra2638]

With that being said, in my garden prepping I have bought MORE peppers and I hope my friend is still around to enjoy more peppers this season

[@Lynzi3]

My understanding of the growing zones is that they are based on the average low temperature during the winter. For example, I live in western Washington, about an hour south of Seattle, and I'm in 8a. It's definitely not more tropical here than in your zone! We generally get mild summers as well as mild winters, so things like tomatoes and peppers mature later here than they do in your zone. We pretty much can't grow okra at all without a greenhouse.

[@RedleafRanch]

Yes!! It varies so greatly! It's so interesting how different microclimates can be within the same growing zone! It's all about understanding what your specific area needs.

[@Lynzi3]

@RedleafRanch Absolutely! Learning what your garden needs means you can make it work for you. Trying to force it to grow things that are not meant to be is just a recipe for disappointment. I'm still probably going to get a Meyer Lemon tree and bring it indoors for the winter, though, lol Will you be starting seeds soon?

[@tinacollins7970]

Another Tennessee gardener!! Can't wait to start my seeds

[@RedleafRanch]

Me too!!! I'm starting this week!

[@kaylakthulhu8623]

​@@RedleafRanchare you filming a video about starting seeds??

[@stephaniegee227]

Tennessee gardener here as well!!!

[@mommagabi]

Abundance! I’m in Texas 💕 My first plant I tried was a Roma tomato and jalapeño plant in our home. I started just growing seeds from the grocery store and they started showing signs of life! Everyone would say that grocery store plants are not going to produce fruit but then my year old Roma plants from a store bought tomato fruited 💕 Don’t let others tell you anything because my Roma tomato plant proved everyone wrong 💕

[@RedleafRanch]

You are the abundance! 🙌

[@victoriajankowski1197]

We have clay on our property and I am tempted to harvest is and make oyas, then open fire baking them over the winter, the point is for them to leak, and the freeze thaw cycle each winter should 'decompose' them in the raised beds as a mineral amendment, so it becomes a yearly cycle for our family

[@alannafarias4569]

ABUNDANCE! I'm on the east coast of central Florida and I'm navigating my garden space. Thank you for all for your super helpful information

[@RedleafRanch]

ABUNDANCE!! You’re so welcome 💛

[@derskine1423]

YOUR KITTY IS NAMED MERLIN TOO!? I love.

[@ready4change539]

Abundance! I'm mostly a container gardener. Loved the video!

[@soymilkmuse]

Love this! Very good tips! ❤Another point about zones, I'm in zone 8, but my growing season is end of May to end of September (average). It's important to know your average first and last frost dates for your location ❤ I use the hardiness zone only for knowing what perennial plants will survive here. I'm in Southern Oregon in the Rogue Valley and we have a Mediterranean climate, like only 2% of the world. Mild, wet winters, and very hot, dry summers. I envy your growing climate! ❤ But I can usually grow kale and other cool crops throughout the winter.

[@Scheung188]

Loving your long format videos! Also, I feel the red clay in Alabama. I cannot fight it on my property. I learned and grow carrots in containers now.

[@Trishafairweather]

Such a great informative list! I only started gardening last year and the lesson on failing is so true. Last year was filled with loads of failures but I learned so much from that experience! I’m now working on my spring garden and can’t wait to try again!

[@ronharewood7687]

Some really interesting varieties I’m seeing. Good works.

[@RedleafRanch]

Thank you so much! 💛

[@Artieshaa]

Abundance…I’m in zone 7b. I will be planting in 3 garden stalk planters and will also be making a raised bed area to plant in. I am super excited. I started a few years back and didn’t understand everything I needed to know and I’m still learning a lot but I’ve research and feel very prepared to move forward this year

[@koda65]

I choose all of the above when it comes to deciding what kind of garden I want

[@RedleafRanch]

I know that's right! Same here!

[@jonnysnipes7793]

up in nyc i grew peppers and jalapeno on my windowsill

[@RedleafRanch]

ABUNDANCE!

[@jonnysnipes7793]

@

[@AceJGarden]

Abundance 💚 Texas here, you inspired me so much to start a garden for my family!

[@okamiammy08]

Abundance! Ill be starting my own garden this year and I have also bought Kale 😂 thank you for the tip on spacing

[@ravenwilliams9250]

Abundance!!!

[@LuthienNightwolf]

I found you again! I used to watch your TikToks but I actually left the app like three years ago. Have missed the content but not the stress. 😅 I am in a rental house now and last summer was my first attempt at doing more than just container gardening. I started with plants from the store and I kind of just let it go wild, I had a lot of volunteers (aka weeds but we don’t call them that here lol). This year I would like to focus on pollinator friendly plants, and I was given like 50 vegetable seed packs for my birthday so I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed. I know I can’t do so many, I have the space but not the setup yet. I’m also not set up to grow from seed yet. It’s a lot. lol I’m still looking forward to warmer weather and getting back out there and seeing what I can grow this year! I’m in Oklahoma Zone 7a if I remember correctly.

[@geoideas07]

Abundance ❤

[@augustwiggins9245]

This was such an amazing and relaxing video to watch. I could listen to you all day. Thank you so much for this video. It brought me peace and a lot I learned for my first time garden this year

[@PaperRingsStan]

I love your content so much! 💗

[@RedleafRanch]

Thank you so much! Abundance!

[@PaperRingsStan]

@ Aaa heyyyy I love watching your content and I aspire to be a farmer/rancher when I’m older. I love your content so much and Abundance!!!

[@MommyBits]

I’m loving this! Loving you! Love the longer vid’s Great work 😊

[@podstress]

I need this kinda content but for tropical garden!

[@RedleafRanch]

Many of basics apply! Just gotta master your own unique conditions :)

[@barbaralowry6669]

Excellent advice. Thank you.

[@villanella]

abundance! and of course: slaaaay ;)

[@RedleafRanch]

SLAY!!! 💛

[@peanutbutterandgravy1370]

Whoooo abundance!!!! Intention: Growing some of the more expensive veg and mushrooms I like so I can eat happy on a college budget :) Zone: 5b Light: South and east facing windows Soil: It's gonna be indoors so I can basically mix whatever soil I need (apartment momentttt) Water: City water :/ Mulch: (See soil) Time: I should be able to water most mornings or evenings, and I also have a humidifier I'm currently using for my ferns Wildlife: Do my roommates count as wildlife? Also bonus cat

[@Flockoflifehomestead]

Omg I just love your videos and your knowledge of all things gardening and life, so happy I have subscribed as I also taking on this new journey of gardening and KZbin.... ABUNDANCE!!!!

[@marypeters2435]

I learned i am in 9b hardiness zone so i can grow just about anything. You have a new subscriber and i also looked at botanical interests for seeds,

[@RedleafRanch]

Welcome aboard!!! Abundance!!!!

[@YourfriendRaymond]

So, I'm in Nevada and a lot of the places you aren't allowed to connect rain water are desert states. The water rights laws predate this area being in the US in many places. It's to keep people from stealing the water. Water belongs to everyone. So you aren't allowed to do anything that interferes with rain making its way to the aquaphor. At least that's my understanding as a regular guy. It encourages designing your garden with maximizing rain into groundwater in mind. Porous rocks as a mulch layer are fantastic for this.

[@RedleafRanch]

Wow that's so interesting! I'm learning so much about water rights! Definitely should never interfere with the natural cycles of rain.

[@YourfriendRaymond]

@RedleafRanch yeah and like areas where you are, collecting water mashes sense because you guys get so much it's a problem from time to time, but also it gets dry so it's just spreading it evenly. But most desert flora are evolved for a lot of water and then not much/ none which means water harvesting really hurts the ecosystem in these areas. Desert biome is my favorite haha 💖 hope this came across with the joyful exuberance that it was written with

[@YourfriendRaymond]

My first season my goal is to grow weeds 😂 eventually its food but I figure I should consider food the cherry on top. If I get anything growing it will help with the compaction and organic material in the ground and help get that good soil started. Any plants are better than none 😂

[@RedleafRanch]

Sounds like abundance to me!!!

[@corey_el]

thank you so much for this ❤️❤️❤️ I loved ur content on tiktok and im so glad I found you again here! not in the time of my life when a garden is possible but best believe im taking notes for the future hehe

[@RedleafRanch]

That’s the spirit! You’ll have the most amazing garden someday. 💚

[@corey_el]

@ thank uuuu 🥰

[@Danniebanana-ie]

Great advice! I'm Def going to get a rain barrel this year for sure! We generally get a lot of rain and water bills where I live are very high so hoping to save some money on watering the garden this year!

[@RedleafRanch]

That’s amazing!! Rain barrels are the best! Abundance!!!

[@emelysan1645]

Kiiiinnng!!!!!😊❤

[@RedleafRanch]

Hiii!!!!

[@emelysan1645]

@@RedleafRanch omg hi hun! Hope you're doing well. I follow you on IG & ur videos give me life 😊😅 sending love from NYC 🩷

[@Laurens.Life.Styles]

Great video !!!

[@RedleafRanch]

Thanks so much! 💛

[@kaseygondek6113]

Okay but what if my intention is to do ALL the things you mentioned? 😂 thinking that first point is gonna be relevant for me!

[@mermaidtale1]

This was a very good video ✨

[@o0Yarrow0o]

Lovely video as always!

[@RedleafRanch]

Thanks so much! 💛

[@gloriapacheco9954]

😊

[@RedleafRanch]

😊😊😊

[@vicki6741]

Where my fellow zone 7a’s at 🙌🏻

[@nereidalaporte4872]

Where I can buy your book? ABUNDANCE!!!

[@cat_game14]

You and me have same soil red and clay but mine full of termites 😢. Also you say too much moisture is not good I mean some like cactuses don't need moisture at all so I want ask is tropical plan need moisture and what if it too much like heavy rain in the soil it is bad or not?

[@the_moo]

I am middle aged and arthritic. Has anyone started from scratch, learning how to garden, creating, and maintaining the garden at this stage of life? Is it even possible? I have a very distinct and overwhelming need to create a homestead and grow fruits and veg and legumes, maybe some grains for the two of us, but I am scared I will fail and lose hope and be in too much pain to continue and we’ll have wasted all this money buying land and building a new home.

[@the_moo]

I’d also like to keep chickens for eggs, but not raise animals for meat.

[@jezziies]

ABUNDAAAANCE :D

[@vicki6741]

I tried growing eucalyptus and I epically failed 😂

[@RedleafRanch]

Can we grow that here?! Lol

[@forest_girl5174]

I want to garden but I'm kinda broke 😋

[@JPhoenix..]

This was awesome and very informative/helpful Thank you for doing this it will help so many🤍🌻💛

[@RedleafRanch]

Ahh thank you so much!!

[@katedrilon9174]

Abundance! I just saw you on my reels and followed you on insta. Now I am here on YT. Thank you for bringing back my desire for gardening 🥹

[@laurenkotwal3186]

Abundance ❤