Getting Started with Native Plants: Easy Wins for Beginners

Starting a native plant garden is a fantastic way to support local wildlife and create a beautiful, eco-friendly space. But with so many options, it can feel overwhelming. The good news is that native plants are naturally resilient. So don't be afraid to try – it doesn't have to be perfect!

Here's a quick guide to get you going:

• Start with a shrub: Shrubs provide structure and year-round interest. Look for native options like spicebush, chokeberry, or great laurel (pictured here).
• Plant keystone species: These plants support a huge variety of insects, which then feed birds and other wildlife. Oak trees are powerhouses, but smaller options like sunflowers or asters are great too.
• Skip the seeds (for now): Seeds are amazing, but for beginners, they add an extra challenge and take longer to grow. You'll have quicker success establishing your plants when you start with seedlings. 

Need help choosing? Let’s make it simple! Try our plant finder quiz.

Before you search for plants, consider the space for your wildlife garden:

• Sun or shade? Different plants thrive in different light conditions. The three basic buckets are: Full sun (6+ hours), part-shade (3-6 hours), or shade (less than 3 hours)
• Soil type: Is it sandy, clay-like, or something else? Dig up some dirt to get a better sense of your soil type.
• How much space? Do you have a small area, a large area, or just some space for container plants? The key lesson is don't overcrowd your plants – they need room to grow!

It can be helpful to think of your space as a house with rooms you need to design. It wouldn't make sense to have every room be the kitchen! Your yard is the same. That space over by the garage that is in part-shade? It needs a different garden design from the space at the front of the house in full sun. You don't need to design every "room" all at once either. Start small and grow over time. 

And don't forget, we're here to help!

Our Zip Code Verification System ensures you get the perfect plants for your area, and with our 365-day guarantee, you can shop worry-free. Not sure how to plant? We've got a planting tips guide and a whole library of resources. And remember, plants aren't permanent! You can always move things around if they're not thriving.

Ready to dive in? Let's get those native plants growing!