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 gardening is new for you, it is best to start small. A planter bed of about 20 - 30 square feet would be great, and will help keep about 30 plants in a neat, controllable space. Starting with this size will allow you to wet your green thumb without being overwhelmed by a large project. After your first year, you may realize that you absolutely love gardening, so you can then increase the size of your plot for the next season.

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.

In hot climates, try to choose an area that will provide your garden with shade from some of the intense afternoon sun. Healthy gardens can certainly grow with more or less direct sunlight, but you may have to be flexible with the variety of plants that you choose. Finally, a site with good soil is best, although the quality and condition of the soil can always be improved. It's advisable to avoid areas with rocky soil, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Now that you are going to get into gardening, no doubt you will wonder what took you so long! You will discover the joy of harvesting your own vegetables and flowers, with the great taste and beauty they bring to your life. And you'll feel like a kid again, with the wind in your face and the soil in your hands.

Article Source: http://articles411.com

Author Dionne Voughar writes for several well-known online magazines, on recreation camping and family growing subjects.
This and other unique content container gardening articles are available with free reprint rights.

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