CaliKim: 49 Tips for New & Old Gardeners: We Wish We Knew Sooner!

Timestamped: use the timestamps to jump to the tips you’re most interested in. Whether you’re a new gardener or have years of experience, here are 49 tips from CaliKim and Gary (from The Rusted Garden) we wish we knew sooner when we first started gardening. We cover everything from compost to seed starting to planting and harvesting. Grow more and become a better gardener with these essential tips!

🍅50% off all CaliKim Seed Collections w/ code “TOMATO”, https://calikimgardenandhome.com. Ends 9.3.24.
📕Pre-order CaliKim’s new book: “The 10-Minute Gardener” (release date, Christmas Eve, 2024) at https://calikimgardenandhome.com/pages/10-minute-gardener, and get 2 free bonuses:
➡A FREE digital guide : “How to Create a Seed Starting Station in 10 Minutes”, an exclusive sneak-peek inside CaliKim’s new book!
➡A $10 coupon to our Seed & Garden Shop, https://calikimgardenandhome.com

Visit Gary’s channel: https://www.youtube.com/@THERUSTEDGARDEN

TIMESTAMPS: (click the timestamp to jump to tip you’re interested in or re-watch your favorite part)
00:00 Introduction
00:23 Tip 1 – Start composting
00:47 Tip 2 – Keep it simple-start small, expand later
01:57 Tip 3 – Grow in earth beds-don’t need fancy
02:59 Tip 4 – Use what you have & re-purpose
04:20 Tip 5 – Protect from animals
05:11 Tip 6 – Grow in containers
05:26 Tip 7 – Save seeds
06:26 Tip 8 – Don’t overplant
07:37 Tip 9 – Use natural trellises
08:25 Tip 10 – Water when plants need it & don’t underwater
09:02 Tip 11 – Plant peppers close together
09:35 Tip 12 – Plant flowers with veggies to bring in pollinators
10:11 Tip 13 – Cantaloupe harvest tip
10:42 Tip 14 – Grow vertically to maximize spact
11:34 Tip 15 – Use all available space – under trellises
12:04 Tip 16 – Succession plant
13:28 Tip 17 – Use shade cloth over 90°
15:02 Tip 18 – Water makes all the difference
16:25 Tip 19 – Let some basil flower for pollinators
17:28 Tip 20 – Harvest cucumbers small and green
18:25 Tip 21 – Save cucumber seeds
18:32 Tip 22 – Root strawberry runners
20:17 Tip 23 – Use water soluble fertilizer late season for more harvest
21:25 Tip 24 – Winterize strawberries
22:49 Tip 25 – Get a garden pup
22:54 Tip 26 – Grow blueberries
23:45 Tip 27 – Overwinter peppers
25:12 Tip 28 – Learn as you grow
25:38 Tip 29 – Grow Muscadine Grapes
26:20 Tip 30 – Plant what you eat
26:54 Tip 31 – How to avoid disappointment
27:33 Tip 32 – Managing your time
28:40 Tip 33 – Plant strategically
29:37 Tip 34 – Plant fall crops early
31:55 Tip 35 – Southern gardeners-grow cool crops in winter
32:42 Tip 26 – Keep a garden journal
34:44 Tip 37 – Protect cool crops w/ shade cloth
37:45 Tip 38 – Time planting w/ local temps
38:25 Tip 39 – Use local family garden center as a resource
38:47 Tip 40 – See transplants to support garden habit
40:19 Tip 41 – Don’t buy transplants for easy-to-grow crops
40:50 Tip 42 – Put up a deer fence
42:16 Tip 43 – Start seeds outdoors
44:07 Tip 44 – Water soluble fert for seedlings
46:41 Tip 45 – Automate w/ drip irrigation
46:56 Tip 46 – Bottom water seedlings
48:17 Tip 47 – Pick up free seed starting containers at garden centers
49:23 Tip 48 – Don’t buy different fertilizers for different plants
50:41 Tip 29 – Shop clearance sales

BOOKS
The First-Time Gardener: Raised Bed Gardening: https://bit.ly/TheFirstTimeGardenerRaisedBedGardening
Organic Gardening for Everyone: Homegrown Vegetables Made Easy: https://bit.ly/OrganicGardeningForEveryone

SEEDS
CaliKim Seed Collections: https://calikimgardenandhome.com

CONTAINERS
CaliKim 1, 5, 10 gallon Smart Pots, Little Shorty 3′ fabric raised bed: https://calikimgardenandhome.com/collections/smart-pots
Smart Pots (other sizes): use. code “calikim” for 10% off at https://smartpots.com
What size Smart Pot? https://smartpots.com/what-size-smart-pot-should-I-use/

PEST & DISEASE CONTROL:
Monterey Lawn & Garden: https://www.montereylawngarden.com. Use code “CALIKIM10” for 10% off sitewide.

SOIL AMENDMENTS & FERTILIZER
Vermisterra: https://vermisterra.com
Worm castings, Vitality, Worm tea
10% off with code “calikim”

AMAZON:
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases:
SHADE CLOTH: https://amzn.to/42AvvEU

SEED STARTING SUPPLIES
Seed starting pots: https://amzn.to/3tfsKXK
Seed starting cells: https://amzn.to/3JLsZVH
Peat pellets: Large ( 3”, 50mm): https://amzn.to/37u3RiB
Small (1”, 36mm): https://amzn.to/35RP2Cx
Plant labels (colored: ) https://amzn.to/3bLNCjv
Plant trays: https://amzn.to/36YPO1U

DRIP IRRIGATION/WATERING
Raised Bed Drip Irrigation Kit: https://amzn.to/30jSLYq
Landscape Staples: https://amzn.to/2Ro85iP
Moisture meter: https://amzn.to/2tbXDD6

WHERE TO FIND ME:
Seed & Garden Shop:https://calikimgardenandhome.com
Instagram: CaliKim: http://instagram.com/calikim29
CameraGuy: https://www.instagram.com/calicameraguy/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/CaliKimGardenandHomeDIY/