10 Martha Stewart Gardening Ideas That Are Surprisingly Easy to Copy

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To the beginner, gardening can seem like stepping into a foreign world, but it doesn’t have to be. Indeed, if anyone has made creating a stunning garden look both elegant and achievable, it’s Martha Stewart. Martha is known for her ability to mix beauty with practicality, inspiring lots of gardeners to dig in and try something new.

Her ideas are refreshingly simple, so even if you don’t have gardening experience (just a single pot of basil on your windowsill), it’s easy to understand. Now let’s look at some of her best gardening tips and tricks that you can easily transport into your own backyard.

Start With Edible Flowers

Edible flowers are classic and add color to your garden and plate. Nasturtiums, violas and marigolds are all easy to grow flowers, and can be added to salads or desserts as a pop of flavour. It’s a showstopper every time to surprise guests with a cake adorned with blooms from your garden.

Use Natural Mulch

Martha often suggests using natural mulch, such as bark or straw to hold moisture and discourage weeds. Aside from saving water, this simple practice also make your garden look polished. And don’t forget that mulch is so much more than just pretty; it is a workhorse for soil health.

Plant in Odd Numbers

Planting flowers in odd-numbered clumps is one of Martha’s favorite tricks — this might sound strange, but it actually works. It results in a more natural and pleasing look than same even numbered rows. Try it out with your next flower bed, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how much this little switch can make your garden feel like it was professionally designed.

Repurpose Household Items

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Martha gives old items a new life in the garden, true to her resourceful style. These creative touches are fun, and add personality to any space—from using broken teacups as mini planters to turning wine bottles into edging. You could be sitting on the makings of unique garden decor and not even know it: unless you look around your house.

Go Vertical

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If space is tight, Martha says take the hint and grow up! Literally. Vertical gardens are ideal for the patio or balcony. For climbing plants such as beans or ivy, install a trellis or try a wall mounted planter. Vertical gardening isn’t just space saving—it’s also great for adding a bit of eye candy to your garden design.

Experiments With Perennial Herbs

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Martha approved favorites are perennial herbs such as lavender, thyme, and sage. With the new year comes the return of these hardy plants without the constant replanting, providing beauty and usefulness. They’re practically foolproof, plus they’re the perfect beginners. And let’s be honest, nothing is fancier than snipping fresh thyme from your own garden.

Focus on Pollinators

Martha often talks about the need to attract bees, butterflies and birds to your garden. Planting pollinator friendly flowers like coneflowers or sunflowers enhances the ecosystem and gives your space vibrancy and movement. The good news for vegetable gardeners is that the USDA says pollinator plants can improve crop yields.

Personalize Your Garden With Markers

Martha can’t help but love labeling her plants, and it’s a habit you should pick up on too. Garden markers don’t have to be a snooze; they can be whimsical and practical at the same time, whether you use chalkboard stakes, painted stones, or wooden spoons. If you want to involve the whole family, they’re also a fun craft project for kids.

Create a Seasonal Plan

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Martha is a careful seasonal planner and Martha’s gardens are always in bloom. That may sound intimidating, but it’s actually pretty easy. Plant spring bulbs like tulips or daffodils alongside summer favorites like zinnias but start small. This layering trick keeps your garden lively all year long. You don’t need a huge budget or expertise to plan for year round blooms — just a bit of forward thinking.

Create a Raised Bed Garden

Building raised beds is one of Martha’s most popular gardening tips. These beds provide better soil drainage for your plants, keep out weeds, and spare your back when gardening. Don’t be scared off by the idea of construction—raised beds can be as easy as a few planks nailed together. Raised beds have been shown to boost veggie yields according to ResearchGate study. On top of that, they just look nice and tidy, adding an organized charm to your garden.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.