My Pinterest Dreams Came to Life: How I Started a Mini Garden

We’ve all been there—saving gorgeous garden photos to Pinterest boards with names like “Someday Garden,” thinking we’ll get around to it eventually. But what happens when you finally stop scrolling and start planting? Turns out, bringing those digital dreams into reality is easier than you think.

Images: Pinterest + me at a flower market in Paris

You know that one empty corner of your yard that silently judges you every time you walk by? I had a space like that, plus a Pinterest board full of garden inspiration that I’d been scrolling for months but hadn’t acted on.

Until now!

A few cost-effective pots, some strawberries, cucumbers, herbs, and a handful of flowers later…and boom, I’ve got a backyard mini garden. It’s not fancy, but it’s functional—and already bringing a little joy (and hopefully, some future salad ingredients) to enjoy over the summer.

I’m still very much learning as I go, but here are a few things I’ve picked up from this little experiment so far:

5 Practical Tips for Fellow Gardening Newbies

Don’t skimp on soil.
Container gardens need the right foundation. I consulted with a pro on this before getting started. Regular garden soil can be too heavy and hold too much water. A high-quality potting mix made a noticeable difference in how my plants are growing. Look for something that includes organic fertilizer.
Sunlight matters more than you think.
Before planting, I made sure the space I wanted to put the garden in got good sun exposure. Cucumbers went in the sunniest spot. Herbs got morning light. This simple step saved me from wondering later why things weren’t thriving. I purchased these cute herb garden markers from Etsy to help me remember what I planted 😉
Drainage is non-negotiable.
I almost bought a few too-cute-to-be-practical pots, until I remembered to check for drainage holes. I found this tall planter at Fred Meyer for $54 which was a great deal. A bit of gravel at the bottom also helps keep roots from sitting in water, which is a fast track to wilted regret.
Start small. Expand later.
My original vision included raised beds and rustic trellises (thanks to all those dreamy pictures on Pinterest). But I’m glad I started with just three light weight containers. It’s manageable, not overwhelming, and gives me space to learn what works.
Water regularly—but not constantly.
Apparently, container gardens dry out faster than in-ground ones, especially in warm weather. A neighbor tipped me off to this handy soil moisture meter that takes the guesswork out. You simply put the meter into the soil and if it shows that it’s dry, you know it’s time to water.

Bonus lesson: I over-planted my containers (classic rookie move) with too many things which lead to overcrowding. So, I’ll be transplanting a few things soon to give the fruit and veggies more room to grow.

Even as a total beginner, I’m already seeing growth—literally and figuratively. Who knew it would be so rewarding to grow a few berries?! There’s something satisfying about turning an ignored corner of our backyard into a space that brings a little life, color, and possibility.

I’ll never be up to Martha Stewart standards but it’s a small start! Any other tips you would add? Feel free to comment below.

In the meantime, here are some additional cost-effective outdoor favorites I recommend that are functional plus bring some coziness to your patio space: