New, overwhelmed gardener needs help

Question

Here are the details: I LOVE plants, but have never had the room to grow anything. New house (it’s a rental and I want to be able to move/propagate the plants I plant) with shady yard and some sunny spots. What can I plant? New gardener, meaning virtually no gardening tools. There are 2 long stone planters and 2 round stone planters on front porch with limited sun. What to plant there? College student, meaning limited budget. Tips for inexpensive growing, like using household items to help grow things. Semi-withered wandering jew needs reviving. How? Gardenia in the backyard I would like to propagate. How? Have hollyhock and four o’clock seeds that need to be started. How? Also, any tips on growing them. I have also noticed we have silk works on some of our pecan trees. How do I get rid of them? Someone help me get started. . . .

Answer 1

First, here are some suggestions for plants that grow in shade: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/shgen/shade-loving-shrubs.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/shade/finding-a-shade-loving-plant.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/shade/shade-tolerant-flowers.htm

Many household items can make interesting and lowcost containers for plants--just add drainage holes. Egg cartons make great seed starting trays (again, with drainage holes in bottom). Composting is a great way to fertilize the garden cheaply and improve soil.

If the soil of your wandering jew is too wet, you may have overwatered. Back off a bit and allow the soil to dry out some. On the other hand, if it's dry, you may need to increase its watering. This article should also help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/wandering-jew/growing-wandering-jew-plants.htm

For tips on propagating/growing the gardenia, hollyhock and four o'clocks, these articles should help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/gardenia/propagating-gardenias.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/hollyhock/tips-on-hollyhocks-growing-hollyhocks-successfully.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/four-oclocks/four-oclock-plants.htm

Not too sure about the pecan tree unless it has tent worms. This article will help determine if this is the case: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/problems/pests/tent-worms-tent-caterpillar-home-remedy.htm