Given you’re all at different points with your garden, I’m going to start this post as if you have NOTHING, so just skip any bits that don’t apply.
If you are starting with no knowledge and completely from scratch – don’t get overwhelmed – we’re going to go slowly. There are only 2 things you need to get started – compost and seeds/seedlings.
Below you’ll find suggested kit and suppliers to help you with anything you don’t currently have.
Compost
Whether it’s in a planter, in pots or in a bed, you’re going to need compost. This introduces organic matter into your soil and brings it to life.
Here’s and easy way to tell how much you might need given the space you have – you’re looking to fill your beds with a 15 cm depth: https://www.compostdirect.com/calculator
Firstly google ‘council compost’ in case you have a local/green waste compost provider nearby. If not, or they are currently closed, you can try…
Compostdirect.com if you need 500L bags ie large amounts.
Otherwise, Amazon is your friend here with smaller bags available eg: See here for my favourite peat-free brand.
Alternatively, you can visit local garden centres where you can often buy 3 bags for a discount AND support local businesses.
Whatever you choose, always go for peat-free if you can as this is a non-sustainable resource that most gardeners are trying to phase out of the supply chain.
Obviously, if you already have an established bed to use, then simply layering a few inches of compost over that bed (mulching) is all that’s required to help the health of the soil to get the best plants possible.
If you are digging your own garden beds from scratch, this video shows how to create a popular ‘no-dig’ bed – this is what I’ve done for all of mine.
And if you don’t have all the bits that Charles has, simply lay down cardboard, soak it, and layer 15cm depth of compost over it. Voila! Ready to plant.
Propagators
You’re also going to need something to start your seeds off in (aka a propagator) – unless you’re reading this in April, May or June, in which case, you can just direct sow your seeds straight into the ground – I’ll do a separate post on this if that’s you.
These windowsill propagators are cheap and perfect to get your seeds started. You can find many examples here, just pick what takes your fancy! https://amzn.to/3lZrvNV
If all else fails, or money is tight, then just use plastic food tray packaging or an old foil roasting tray with a small hole punched in the bottom for drainage.
Honestly, there are far more sophisticated ways of doing what we’re going to attempt, but we just want to get started in the simplest way possible.
For the last bit of kit you need for now aka seeds – read on here: http://thefloralproject.co.uk/getting-started/getting-started-planning-the-garden/
