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Return to Childhood -- Get Into Gardening

By: Dionne Voughar

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.

Choosing a good planting site is crucial. Where you live will be the biggest determining factor, but preferably you can plant in a spot that gets at least six hours of good light each day. Roots of large trees should be avoided, as they can steal your plants' nutrients and water. And try to keep your garden three feet or more away from any buildings or fences.

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.

Okay, the location is set; now it is time for the fun to start, so let's dig in the dirt! When you really get into gardening, you will realize that it is not a clean hobby, so you will get some dirt under your nails. To begin, remove any grass, weeds, debris, and rocks from your new garden area. Next, use a pitchfork or spade to dig down about a foot deep, and mix minerals or compost in if the soil needs it. If the soil is sandy, add some peat moss, and if it is acidic, add some lime. If you feel it necessary to add fertilizer, use only organic, non-toxic fertilizers.

Now that your garden bed is ready, it is time for the big planting. You'll have to choose between starting from seeds or from small plants. Starting with plants allows you to visualize the final garden more clearly, perhaps. If you go that route, choose plants with green leaves and stems, and healthy roots. Don't buy plants with very long stalks, or plants with leaves that are yellowed.

Take a bit of care in where you plant. For example, place larger plants at the rear, and smaller plants at the front of the bed. Something crucial is planting when the weather is correct. Be sure to plant after the risk of frost has ended, especially for tender plants. Read the seed package if you are using seeds, as they provide information about when to plant and how to properly position the seeds.

Your plants must receive regular care and attention to help them thrive. Watering is absolutely essential to having healthy plants. If you have a few plants, such as in balcony or patio planters, you can easily accomplish this task by hand watering. However, larger gardens require the use of a garden hose with a sprinkler or nozzle. Don't be skimpy with the water; make sure the roots receive adequate moisture.

It is best to water early in the morning when air temperatures are cool. Watering in the hot afternoon sun is environmentally and financially wasteful as much of the water will evaporate before reaching the root systems. And late afternoon or evening watering can leave moisture on your plants all night long, leading to mildew and diseases. Depending on the types of plants in your garden, you will have to vary how often you water. If the weather is very hot, you might need to water three times per week.

You can naturally control weeds using mulch or compost. Several inches of organic mulch in the soil will aid fertility, moisture control, and will result in cooler roots. Mulch can be made of leaves, manure, wood chips, grass clippings, or even pine needles.

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!

Article Source: http://www.essentialgardenguide.com/gardening-articles

Author Dionne Voughar writes for some of today's hottest online magazines, on recreation camping and family growing topics.
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