How to get started

Hollie Newton, the chief creative officer at sproutl. com, offers her advice to new-gen gardeners

►Avoid gardening overwhelm syndrome. An entire garden overhaul is an intimidating prospect. Pick one small and easily doable area to start with. A front door to surround with planters and greenery. An ugly fence to disguise with paint, climbers and a string of lights. Simple high-impact projects will make you feel like a gardening genius.

► Ask questions in garden centres. There’s no such thing as a stupid question (something I’ve tested extensively over the years).

Harass, pester and quiz the brilliant people who work in our garden centres, shops and nurseries. Their knowledge is unparalleled, their welcome warm. Don’t be scared.

► There’s nothing wrong with “cheating”. I’m deeply distrustful of anyone who doesn’t consider a few shortcuts as “proper” gardening. Buying daffodils as plants when you’ve totally forgotten to plant bulbs the year before seems like a cunning plan to me. Growing tomatoes from three little plants you picked up on a whim will, I guarantee, taste better than anything you find in the supermarket. Growing from seed will come later. The first and most important thing is to enjoy yourself.

►Eco is easier than you think. Plant lavender for the bees. Install a rain-saving water butt (or leave out a few watering cans if you’re short on space). Create a haven for bugs by leaving a pile of branch cuttings to decay in an undisturbed corner. Buy peat-free compost and plant-based fertiliser. And don’t despair. Every small action adds up to make a difference.