Fall and spring are the best times to start gardening in North Texas. Thanks to tips from the UNT family, the task can be simple.

Beginning gardeners may want to try hardy plants that sprout quickly and grow easily, such as lettuce, tomatoes, basil, onions, rosemary and peppers, says Cael McCarthy, facilitator for UNT's Community Garden.

Or try a hydroponic garden, which uses nutrient-rich water in a controlled environment instead of soil to grow plants, including peppers, tomatoes, strawberries, radishes, carrots and beets, says Erin Clarner ('21), who oversees such a garden for UNT Dining Services.

Hydroponic gardens can take up little space with basic components such as a container, water, nutrients, air pump, light and pH meter -- and it doesn't require expensive equipment.

"At home, I cut the lid off of aluminum cans to use as my DIY hydroponic setup," Clarner says. "I fill the cans with earth and nutrient water and set them on my windowsill for sunlight, and I can grow my own produce at home with no yard. Overall, as long as your plants have access to the right amount of food, water and sunlight, they will be happy."

Erin Clarner ('21)

Culinary farmer for UNT Dining Services
"Growing your own food can shrink your grocery bill and diversify your palette by giving you access to healthier foods. There is nothing more satisfying than cooking the very greens that you've seeded and nurtured yourself."

Cael McCarthy

UNT Community Garden facilitator
"Basil, especially, is a good plant to learn gardening from since you can learn via trial and error easily with it. Basil is very vocal and will 'complain' or wilt if it has too much or not enough water or sun."

John Sullivan

UNT Greenhouse technician
"When you look at your plants, imagine them as big and beautiful, and then they will be. Don't imagine them as dead. I think a positive person grows better plants, so enjoy them, spend time with them and talk to them."