The green thumb’s guide to gardening

It’s April now, so you might be feeling the urge to go to the gardening center and dream about your ideal backyard, picking up whatever perennials catch your eye. But before you head out, let’s make a plan.Whether you’re practically a pro or just getting your hands dirty for the first time, our experts have some advice for your green thumb journey.

To start building your gardening tool kit, grab some pruning shears and shovel. We also highly recommend our favorite gardening gloves, which are just $22.

You’ll also need to make a plan for what you’re going to plant. Our experts say you should plant based on your region for the best results. If you’re growing in your yard, raised beds might be your best bet. It’s possible to grow things on a smaller porch, too. Just make sure you keep them in the right amount of sun and water when needed, and you’ll have a thriving garden in no time.

Before we go, here’s a reminder that Mother’s Day is right around the corner. We’ve rounded up our favorite Mother’s Day gifts for every type of mom if you need some ideas. A few suggestions from me: a gift from Bombas (we love their socks), our favorite cold brew coffee maker, or a fun take on classic gold hoops from Mejuri.

Happy planting, y’all.

— Sara Beth Bolin, Newsletter Writer

Reviewed, part of the USA Today Network