A Beginner’s Guide to Starting Your Garden in Ann Arbor: From My Grandpa’s Garden to Yours

Toni Wells
Apr 24
3 min read

Spring is here in Ann Arbor, and that means it's time to get our hands in the soil and start planting! Whether you’re trying to stretch your grocery dollars or simply crave that unbeatable taste of fresh-picked vegetables, gardening is one of the most rewarding things you can do. I know this not just from research—but from my roots.

Growing up, I spent countless hours in the garden with my grandfather, Paul Melton, a name many Ann Arbor residents still recognize. Grandpa Paul wasn’t just any gardener—he was a landscaping artist. His work lives on through several iconic projects across town, including the water feature outside the FedEx on State and Eisenhower. But beyond the big public works, his real magic was in the backyard—teaching me how to turn a patch of soil into a place where dinner could grow.

SwagRight Toni feeding a baby goat next to Grandpa Paul's Garden 1994

Eating vegetables straight from the garden taught me something that stuck with me to this day: food that’s grown with love, patience, and effort doesn’t just taste better—it connects you to your environment, your body, and your community.

Now, I want to help you create that connection too. So, here’s a beginner-friendly guide to starting your own garden right here in Ann Arbor.

1. Start with Your Soil

All great gardens begin beneath the surface. A simple soil test will help you understand your soil’s nutrient levels and what amendments you might need.

How to test your soil:

Choose one area to test (don’t mix lawn and garden soil).
Collect 10 small samples about 7 inches deep (for garden soil) using a clean spade or trowel.
Remove roots and debris, mix them in a clean bucket, and take about 1 cup of the mixture.
Let it air-dry naturally (don’t use heat).
Place your dry soil in the plastic bag from the Soil Test Mailer and send it off.

Visit migarden.msu.edu or call 1-888-678-3464 to get started.

2. Use Compost—Ann Arbor’s Free Garden Gold

Composting is a smart, sustainable way to improve your soil. Luckily, Ann Arbor residents can pick up free compost on Saturdays (7 a.m. – 11 a.m.) through June 28, 2025, at the city compost facility. Bring your ID, shovel, and containers—you can take home up to 1 cubic yard!

You can also grab free wood chips from multiple park locations around town, perfect for mulch or pathways.

3. Seeds or Starts? Know Your Plants

There’s something magical about starting from seed, but transplants can give you a head start.

Seed types:

Hybrid (F-1): Crossbred for better yield and disease resistance.
Open-pollinated: More variety and natural pollination.
Heirloom: Seeds passed down for generations with unique traits.

Pro Tip: AADL’s Seed Sampler is offering free starter seed bundles at select branches. Grab yours before they run out!

If you're going with transplants, inspect them well—avoid plants with spotted, wilting, or browning leaves.

4. Plant Smart: Tips for New Gardeners

Harden off transplants by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days.
Water deeply before planting and remove flowers so the plant can focus on root development.
Mulch with 1–3 inches of organic matter (not touching the stem) to conserve moisture and reduce weeds.
Succession planting: Stagger your plantings for continual harvests.
Use space wisely: Grow root crops below and greens like lettuce on top. Train vining crops vertically to save room.
Invite pollinators: Mix in flowers and herbs to attract bees and beneficial bugs.

5. Get Involved Locally

Ann Arbor’s gardening community is strong, thanks to organizations like Project Grow, which offers garden plots and organic gardening classes. Whether you’re apartment-bound or have a big backyard, they’ve got resources to help your garden thrive.

And don't miss the Native Plant Expo & Marketplace on June 7, 2025, at the Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds—perfect for sourcing local plants and getting expert advice.

Gardening is More Than a Hobby—It’s a Legacy

When I bite into a tomato I’ve grown myself, I’m reminded of Grandpa Paul—his hands in the soil, his laughter in the air, and the joy of eating food we grew together. I hope this guide inspires you to start your own gardening journey, to grow something real, and to connect with the land the way he taught me.

So, let’s get growing, Ann Arbor! And when your garden starts producing, don’t be shy—tag @AnnArborHub and show us what you’re growing.