Gardener Skills

(1) Grow one vegetable, herb, or fruit from seed or seedling through harvest.

Research the methods used to cultivate and correctly harvest the species you’ve chosen to grow. Information can often be found on seed packets, at gardening centers, and online.

(2) Grow six vegetables, herbs, or fruits from seed or seedling through harvest.

Practice setting reminders and establishing schedules for gardening responsibilities like watering, pruning, and weeding.

(3) Research sustainable gardening practices, pollinator information, and edible plants native to your area. Document what you learn.

Information on these topics are often provided by county extension offices and websites (in the US) as well as master gardeners in your region.

(4) Grow six native, pollinator-friendly species of plant.

If you cannot garden outdoors, consider saving the seeds from your plants to distribute to people you know with outdoor space.

(5) Build and maintain a compost bin for at least 90 days or grow six native, edible plants from seed or seedling through harvest.

Consider making connections with other local gardeners, whether that’s a neighbor with a green thumb or a member of your local community garden.

You can also download the skills tracker as a printable .PDF here.

• Growing Guides for Vegetables, Fruits, Herbs, and More
• Apartment Gardening for Beginners
• If you live in the U.S.A., you can learn more about plant cultivation in your area by checking out your State Extension Office. Extension services provide the public with research-based recommendations for farming, gardening, and more. They often have resource pages and events where you can learn more about your local climate and native species, and volunteer with master gardeners.