How do I start my first garden?

[myfirstgarden]

Hi guys!
I live in CA zone 8B. I just bought my first home (after waiting 18 years) and it has a wonderful private back garden with beautiful mature trees and plants. However there is no color. One side of the garden gets about 5 hours of sun the rest is in full or partial shade. There are two small rose bushes in the sun part that flower and I would like to add more but it is December and I have no idea when you are supposed to plant things.

I also have a front garden and there is an 8 by 4 foot area where I want to try growing Tomatoes, green beans, chives, basil and parsley. How do I know when to plant those things and if they go together?
I am so excited about starting but I know I have lots to learn first.

Let's just say I have high hopes...
I would be grateful for any advise or input

Thanks

[opabinia51]

Aha! Well, you've come to the right place;

Give these threads a read:

https://www.helpfulgardener.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3731&start=0
https://www.helpfulgardener.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=335
https://www.helpfulgardener.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4093&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

These will give you an idea about what to do to build your soil such that your garden will be nice and healthy.

You asked about planting your plants together?

https://eap.mcgill.ca/Publications/EAP55.htm
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_companion_plants
https://www.companionplanting.net/

Make note of plants that are labeled as ENEMIES or other such terminology.


As far as planting any bushes or trees, Fall is the ideal time. December is not a time to plant anything really. You can plant trees and bushes in the spring, just be sure to water them and keep the soil moist.

Check out the sticky in the tomatoe forum. Green beans are a companion plant for tomatoes so, either stick your bean poles around your tomatoe plants or allow the beans to grow up your tomatoe plants once they are established.

Parsley is another companion plant to tomatoes, plant parsely nearby. I believe that parsley helps drive away the tomatoe horn worm.

Use only organic fertilzers

Each fall mulch your garden(s) with the fallen leaves from your area and munure, coffee grounds/ grass clippings. If you have maple leaves, mulch them up with your lawn mower first.

[myfirstgarden]

Wow! Thanks for all the great info opabinia51.

I have a huge pile of leaves that I was about to put in the trash, but now I will use them.

I love that all the things I want to grow seem to grow well together.

Have a great New year!
And Thanks Again

[opabinia51]

You are more than welcome If the ground isn't frozen and covered with snow, dig up the area you want to plant in by simply turning the soil over and breaking up the clumps. Then spread some of your leaves over the area. If you can get your hands on some cheap manure (or free, try local farms) spread that over the leaves, coffee grounds work as well, try local coffee shops)

That a project you can do now, if the ground isn't frozen solid.