Get Into Gardening With These Easy Steps

How many of us remember being kids, running around the yard, with the earth under bare feet, and the wind in our hair? Well, it is possible to regain that feeling as an adult, and it feels just as good! Maybe it is time to reacquaint yourself with the beautiful outdoors, and the feeling of freedom. Maybe it is time to get into gardening.

If you are just starting to get into gardening, it's best to start small. A tidy plant bed of 25 to 30 square feet is best, with room for about 30 plants. This will give you a chance to exercise your green thumb without facing a huge project that leaves you feeling overwhelmed. If, after your first season, you realize that you really love gardening, you can always increase your garden size and your plantings next year.

It is crucial to choose a good site for planting. Where your yard is located will drive most of the decision, but hopefully you can plant somewhere that gets more than six hours of good sunlight a day. Avoid large trees with big roots, as they can use up the garden's nutrients and water. Also, try to keep your plot at least 3 feet away from fences or buildings.

Choose a place that gets shaded from the hot afternoon sun, especially if you live in a hot climactic zone. A good garden will grow with variable light, but you may have to tailor the plants you choose, depending on the light level. Pick a spot with good soil, although keep in mind that you can improve soil later. Don't plant in rocky soil, or a spot with really steep slopes or poor drainage.

After you've chosen the location, it's time for the real fun to begin: when you can dig in and really get into gardening. This is not a clean hobby, so prepare to get a little dirt under your nails. First, you're going to need to remove any rocks, debris, weeds and grass from your garden plot, and then use a spade or pitchfork to dig down about one foot deep. Mix in compost or minerals if required, and level the dirt. If your soil is too acidic, add lime; if it's too sandy, add peat moss. When you add in the proper fertilizer, your plants will thrive in either neutral or acidic soil.

Planting time is here now that your garden plot is well-prepared. You can either use seeds, or start with tiny already growing plants. The second option is more expensive, but will allow you to visualize the completed garden more easily. If you do use plants, choose ones with healthy green leaves and stems, and make sure roots are healthy. Don't purchase plants with yellowed leaves.

When planting, position smaller plants at the front of the bed, and larger ones behind. The key to a successful beginning in gardening is planting at the right time. Make sure that the risk of frost has passed before planting your tender varieties, although some annuals, like pansies and violas, can safely weather the spring frost. If you are planting seeds, read the package for important information about when and how to plant.

To thrive, your plants need regular attention and care from you. Watering is essential for their maintenance. With a small garden, such as on a balcony or a container garden on your patio, watering by hand with a watering can is easy enough. But a larger garden will need a hose to get enough water to the plants each week. Don't water every day, but when you do, make sure the roots are adequately soaked. Don't just sprinkle the surface lightly with a spray nozzle.

Watering is most effective early in the morning when the temperature is still cool. Watering during the hot afternoon sun is a waste of money, as the moisture evaporates before it reaches the root systems. Watering in the late afternoon or evening can cause moisture to stay on your plants all night, creating mildew and disease. Knowing how often to water depends entirely on the types of plants you've chosen. Most require about an inch a week. During hot spells, your plants should be watered three times a week.

Finally, use mulch or compost as natural protection and weed control for your garden. Adding just a few inches of organic mulch will keep the roots cool, greatly improve the fertility of your plants, and help the soil to retain moisture. Wood chips, grass clippings, manure, leaves, and pine needles can all be used as mulch.

After you get into gardening, you will likely find that like millions of other folks, you love it! The great feeling of harvesting your veggies or beautiful flowers will bring a smile to your face even if it can be hard work sometimes. Your childhood memories will return with the feeling of the soil in your hands and the sun on your hat. Enjoy!