Sustainable Garden

Beginners' Gardening Tips

By Harry Thrower

If you are considering planting you own garden you should start with a plan. You need to consider where the best location to start is and this should be a place where there's plenty of drainage, no nearby trees and a place that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight a day.

When you have decided your location, you should sketch a simple plan for where you want to put your plants and any other ideas you have. But you should always start simple. Remember you can always add new ideas to you plan and your garden.

The experts say that you should not start with more than a 100-square foot area and you will be amazed at how much you can plant in this area. You are going to have to learn the basics of gardening, and all about disease, the best way to control weeds and pests, the importance of watering and when and how to fertilize.

If you are determined to have a larger project, then work in sections and turn your attention to one area at a time. This way you can enjoy every finished section as a completed job. This will also help you to build up your confidence as you go along making the next section.

There are so many different types of gardens you can make, you can choose from flower gardens to vegetable gardens. Each has its own pros and cons. When it comes to choosing your plants, try to pick plants that will thrive in your gardens location. Spend some time checking out the plants at a garden center and pick a relatively small number that have the same sun, soil and moisture needs.

It is wise to start with plants that are easy to grow such as tomatoes, carrots or lettuce.

You can choose to plant from seeds or seedlings but your choice depends on the time of year you want to start and how much time you are interested in putting into your new garden. Before you start you should make sure you have the tools that you will need. You should have a hoe, rake, shovel, water hose or sprinkler and garden stakes.

When you have all the tools that you need you can start planting your new garden. Make sure the soil is not too wet. Squeeze a small handful of dirt and see if it crumbles easily. When you are finished planting there is more work to do. You have to keep the soil moist and the pests and weeds away.

To cut down on the weeding of your garden you should place mulch around the plants. This serves three purposes; it cuts down on weeding, as well as aiding in temperature control and water retention. The best way to maintain healthy plants is to water them for longer periods of time but less frequently. Do not let the plants dry out. You should water early in the morning so the plants have time to dry out during the day, which helps prevent fungal disease.

If you have a local gardening club near your home it's a great way to learn from veteran gardeners. At the garden club you will find out what plants grow well in your climate zone, and pick up tips and tricks from seasoned gardeners.

For more information on gardening get a free report at GardeningSecrets.co.uk

Written by Harry Thrower, from a family of award winning gardeners. For more information about gardening secrets get a free report at GardeningSecrets.co.uk.

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