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Fern by a stream.

The best way to get into gardening is to start with the basics. Easy-care plants that are disease and deer-resistant can give you that early sense of accomplishment that will lead to more successes as you build your gardening skills. Choose plants that prefer sun or shade, matching their needs to your garden. Can’t decide what to plant? Find inspiration in the links below and by visiting local gardens. There are many online sources for plants and seeds, but local garden centers, farm markets, and nurseries will also carry what you need.

General

  1. New! A Flowering Ode to Jefferson
  2. Mail Order Vegetable Seed Sources for the Home Gardener
  3. Starting Vegetable Seeds Indoors
  4. Landscape Plants Rated by Deer Resistance

Flowers and Foliage

  1. Hydrangeas in the Garden
  2. Spring Flowering Bulbs
  3. Cut Flowers for the Market and Home Garden – Zinnia

Resources

  1. Plant Diagnostic Lab
  2. Soil Testing Lab
  3. Rutgers Master Gardeners
  4. Lawn and Garden FAQ
  5. Community Collaborative Rain, Hail, and Snow Network
  6. Professional Training
  7. NJAES Event Calendar
  8. All NJAES Publications

Fruits and Vegetables

  1. Selecting Blueberry Varieties for the Home Garden
  2. Varieties for New Jersey Home Vegetable Gardeners
  3. Container Gardening with Vegetables
  4. Growing Tomatoes in the Home Garden
  5. Tomato Varieties