Many people dream of starting a garden with a full-time job. At first glance, it might seem impossible to balance both—but let me tell you, it’s not only possible, it’s absolutely worth it.
I was ready for a garden!
I’ve been gardening since 2020, and I like to joke that I started before the pandemic, which is true—though it probably doesn’t matter much in the grand scheme of things. Starting a garden has become quite popular over the years, as the pandemic allowed us to slow down and evaluate our lives. Since I started my gardening journey, I’ve been working full-time the entire time. And let me tell you, it has been nothing like I expected.
When the pandemic hit, I had the opportunity to work from home, and that actually made it easier to start my garden. I was home all day, so I could step outside frequently to check on my plants and eagerly wait for my seeds to sprout. The garden flourished, and I thought, “Wow, this is easy! I’ve got this gardening thing figured out.”
But oh, how wrong I was.
It was time to head back into the office.
Fast forward to 2021, when I had to return to the office. Suddenly, my once-thriving garden began to struggle. The hot summers and freezing winters took a serious toll on my plants, and what was once a lush, productive garden became a shadow of its former self. I quickly realized that the romanticized vision I had of gardening—endless fresh produce and a beautiful green space—was far more challenging than I had anticipated. Balancing a full-time job, being a wife, a mom, and maintaining a garden turned out to be a lot harder than I had imagined.
Gardening is a rewarding hobby that can offer countless benefits—fresh produce, stress relief, and a deeper connection to nature. But if you’re working full-time, the thought of finding time to start a garden might seem daunting. Fortunately, it’s entirely possible to cultivate a beautiful and productive garden even with a busy schedule. With a little planning, a bit of time management, and some clever strategies, you can have a thriving garden in no time!
Here’s how to start a garden while working full-time.
1. Start Small and Set Realistic Goals
When you’re juggling a full-time job, it’s important not to bite off more than you can chew. Starting with a small garden—whether it’s a few pots on a balcony, a small raised bed, or even a container garden—allows you to ease into the process without overwhelming yourself.
Action Steps:
- Choose a small plot or a few containers for your first season.
- Pick a few plants you really enjoy or that offer a great return on investment (like herbs or tomatoes).
- Set achievable goals, such as growing a few herbs or flowers, rather than aiming for a full vegetable garden right away.
Tip: Use a garden planner or app to help you track your plants and goals.
2. Choose Low-Maintenance Plants
One of the best ways to succeed in gardening while working full-time is to choose plants that are easy to care for and don’t require constant attention. These plants can thrive even with limited time investment.
Great low-maintenance options include:
- Herbs: Basil, mint, rosemary, and thyme are great herbs that don’t need much care and can grow in containers.
- Succulents: Perfect for container gardening, succulents require little water and thrive in sunny spots.
- Perennials: Plants like lavender, chives, and echinacea come back every year with little effort.
- Leafy greens: Kale, spinach, and lettuce grow quickly and are easy to harvest.
Tip: If you’re short on space or time, consider using vertical gardening methods like hanging planters, trellises, or wall-mounted shelves to maximize your growing area.
3. Set Aside Time for Garden Tasks
One of the biggest challenges when working full-time is finding the time to tend to your garden. However, with a little scheduling, you can manage the upkeep without sacrificing your work-life balance.
Action Steps:
- Weekend Focus: Dedicate 30 minutes to an hour on weekends to handle more labor-intensive tasks like weeding, pruning, or planting new seeds.
- Daily Mini Sessions: Spend 10-15 minutes every morning or evening watering, checking for pests, or harvesting what’s ready.
- Work in Intervals: During the week, focus on one task at a time. For example, Monday could be watering day, Tuesday could be checking for pests, and Wednesday could be harvesting.
Tip: Use a timer to remind you when it’s time to water or check your plants. Consistency is key!
4. Take Advantage of Weekends and Vacations
Since your weekdays may be filled with work commitments, use weekends or vacation days to get ahead on your gardening tasks. Weekends are perfect for larger jobs like building raised beds, amending soil, or planting new crops.
Action Steps:
- Set aside time during weekends for tasks like planting, mulching, and organizing your garden layout.
- If you go on vacation, ask a friend or family member to water your plants. Alternatively, set up an automatic watering system for peace of mind.
Tip: Consider starting with quick-growing plants like radishes or lettuces that only need a few weeks to mature, so you can harvest them quickly during your free time.
5. Use Time-Saving Tools and Technology
There are plenty of tools and technologies designed to make gardening easier, especially for busy people. Here are a few that can save you time:
- Automated Irrigation Systems: Invest in a smart irrigation system with a timer to water your garden while you’re away at work.
- Self-Watering Planters: These are great for container gardens and reduce the need for frequent watering.
- Mulch and Ground Covers: Using mulch reduces the frequency of weeding and helps keep moisture in the soil.
- Garden Apps: Use gardening apps to track plant growth, watering schedules, and reminders for when to prune or fertilize.
Tip: Using high-quality soil and compost will also reduce the need for constant upkeep, allowing your plants to thrive with minimal effort.
6. Consider Raised Beds or Containers When Starting a Garden
Raised beds and containers are perfect for those who don’t have the luxury of large garden plots or extensive free time. These gardening methods are easy to manage, allow for better drainage, and reduce the need to kneel or bend down to work with your plants. Starting a garden with a full-time job can be challenging, but using containers or raised beds helps mitigate the issues that can arise from traditional in-ground gardening, making them an ideal option for beginners looking to ease into gardening.
Action Steps:
- Raised Beds: Build or buy a raised bed for easy access and better control over soil quality. They’re especially good for growing vegetables and herbs.
- Container Gardening: Grow flowers, herbs, and even small vegetables in pots or containers. These are easy to move around and can be placed in sunny spots, even if you don’t have a large yard.
Tip: Choose lightweight containers with drainage holes to avoid overwatering and to make maintenance easier.
7. Keep a Simple Garden Journal
A garden journal is a fantastic tool to stay on track and plan ahead. This is a great practice to record notes when starting a garden for the first time. You can record planting dates, growth progress, and the care needed for each plant. This will help you make the most of your limited gardening time. When starting a garden with a full-time job, it is good to have a garden journal to refer back to from previous years to see what worked in the past and what didn’t.
Action Steps:
- Record planting dates and harvest dates for each crop.
- Note any challenges or successes you experience throughout the season (e.g., pest problems, crop yields, or weather patterns).
- Track the plants that thrive with minimal care and those that require more attention, so you can adjust your approach.
Tip: You can even keep a digital journal on your phone or tablet to quickly update during your garden sessions.
Final Thoughts on Starting a Garden with a Full-Time Job
Starting a garden while working full-time doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By setting realistic goals, choosing low-maintenance plants, and using time-saving tools, you can create a beautiful, productive garden without it interfering with your job or other commitments. Remember, gardening is a marathon, not a sprint—take it one step at a time, and before you know it, you’ll be harvesting the rewards of your hard work!
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