Brian Gander, an experienced school superintendent, emphasizes the importance of choosing the right size for a first garden to avoid stress and manageability issues. He suggests that beginners should consider their space limits, recommending smaller gardens or potted plants for novices, while noting that larger gardens may be better suited for experienced gardeners. Additionally, Gander highlights that different fruits and vegetables have unique requirements that can complicate maintenance.

1. Brian Gander, Superintendent
The Size of Your First Garden

2. Introduction
 An experienced administrator, Brian Gander has worked
as superintendent in a number of school districts. Beyond
his activities as a director of education and superintendent,
Brian Gander enjoys spending his time gardening.
Gardening is a unique pastime that allows hobbyists to
improve the visual appeal of their yards and grow their own
fruits and vegetables, all while enjoying physical and
psychological benefits as diverse as decreased stress
levels and lower risk for coronary disease. However,
amateur gardeners who take on more than they can
handle with their first gardens may find themselves more
stressed out than ever.
Though there is no exact science when it comes to how
large first-time gardeners should make their gardens, an
individual must consider what sort of space they can
realistically manage.

3. Gardening
 For some, this range may be limited to a few
potted plants and containers, while others might
feel comfortable handling a 32-square-foot raised
bed. Anything beyond a 12-by-24 foot garden,
however, is likely best left to professional
gardeners or those who have been gardening for
at least a few seasons.
Size is not the only consideration a first time
gardener must make. Each fruit and vegetable
maintains its own requirements, some of which
can make it difficult to manage large beds of
varied crops. Additionally, all plants require food
and water, which can drive up the costs of
maintaining a garden.