Gardening in the Pacific Northwest
New to gardening in the Pacific Northwest? Start here.
The Pacific Northwest has its own rhythm — cool springs, damp winters, dry late summers, and a lot of shade. You don’t need a perfect plan. You just need one small win.
Choose your starting point
Path 1
Beginner’s Guide: climate, soil, and a few easy wins
→If you’re unsure where to begin, start here. It’ll help you make a couple good first decisions — and avoid the common ‘too much, too soon’ trap.
Path 2
Understand your garden space (sun, shade, soil)
→Before you buy plants, read your space. A few quick observations can save you a season of frustration — especially in PNW shade and wet soil.
Path 3
What to do this month (PNW calendar)
→If you want a gentle nudge — what matters right now — the calendar keeps you in the right season without turning gardening into homework.
Four easy wins for your first season
You don’t need a full redesign. You need a few small decisions that make the next ones easier.
Step 1: Find your sunniest spot
Walk your garden at morning, midday, and late afternoon. The sunniest patch is your easiest confidence builder.
Do one soil check
Is it soggy? Sandy? Heavy clay? Knowing what you have beats guessing. (You can always improve it later.)
Plant one forgiving plant this week
Choose something that survives imperfect watering and partial shade. One win changes everything.
Water in the morning
In the PNW, morning watering helps reduce fungal issues and keeps evenings calmer for plants.
These are the posts new gardeners return to most
If you want a little momentum, start with these.
When to start seeds in Washington State
→A calm timeline for what to start and when — without overcomplicating it.
Pacific Northwest frost dates
→The date that quietly controls everything (and how to use it).
Slugs in the garden
→What they’re doing, when they’re a problem, and what actually helps.
5 easy plants for beginner gardeners in the PNW
→Forgiving plants that make your first season feel successful.
Understanding your soil types
→The fastest way to stop fighting your garden.
Want a simple next step?
Start with the Beginner’s Guide, then come back and pick one project for this month. That’s enough.