Gardening 101

A garden is a planned space, usually outdoors, set aside for herbs, flowers, fruits, vegetables or grass cultivation. Cultivated plants may be used as dyes, for consumption or for medicinal and cosmetic value.  Homeowners cultivate gardens as a leisure activity or just to create an extra source of food or income. Gardening does not require a lot of capital since one will be using the extra compound space already available. Learn more about gardening below.

A Few Considerations

• The extent of sunlight exposure to that particular area. Some plants may require more sunlight exposure as compared to others.
• Which are the most favorable weather conditions for the plants or herbs you are interested in planting and if they can live in the garden you plan to start. You may have to wait for more favorable conditions or choose different plants if they don't grow in the climate you live in.
• The space available for the home garden.

For container gardening, one can decide to be economical and creative at the same. Instead of sticking to the same old traditional terra cotta and plastic pots, vintage oil cans and chipped teapots can be used. These will add more character to the garden.

Vertical gardening involves planting shallow crops in rain gutters attached to the side of house, outdoor shelving and using the backyard fence to grow climbing vegetables.

Watering Plants

Watering cultivated plants in case there is little rain is also important. Tools such as a hose, watering cans and sprinklers come in handy for these cases. You can purchase them at hardware stores or shops selling farm tools.

Watering plants is best during the morning and evening when the weather is cool. The soil should also be watered before planting.

Cultivating

Once settled on the type of flowers, herbs, trees, vegetables, fruits and/or grass you want to plant, you can now visit a nursery or garden center nearby and get them.

Even though buying the seeds can be cheaper than buying an already germinated plant, it requires more time and attention. Therefore, if the home project is just but a hobby done between busy schedules, buying seedlings may be the best choice.

With every purchase make sure you get proper instructions and information from the nursery owner or read online before planting them. To keep the edible plants natural and organic, make sure you check which fertilizers and insect repellents you should use that don't affect the plants or turn them unedible.

Benefits of Gardening

• Having a yard with a variety of robust and well-tended plants is an inviting sight, it's visually relaxing.
• With the availability of fruits and vegetables in the yard, you can cut down on the grocery budget.
• Gardening is a fun activity for the family. It can be a good way of teaching children where food comes from and promotes a healthier lifestyle.
• It's manual work, so while helping the plants grow, you are also exercising. 
• It can help reduce stress, you spend time outdoors and away from other obligations, away from your phone and the calendar.
• Having a well-tended garden can help improve the value of your property.