Get Back Into Gardening with These Easy Steps

Do you recall childhood summer days spent running in the yard, with bare feet, feeling the earth in your toes, and the wind in your hair? Why not regain that feeling now that you are grown up? You can get reacquainted with the outdoors if you take the leap and get into gardening.

If you are new to gardening you are better off starting on a small scale. Try a planter bed with 20 or 30 square feet of space; you can grow about 30 plants in that nice, neat space. This size planter area will allow you to explore your green thumb without the danger of feeling overwhelmed by the size of the project. After the first season, you might love it so much you will want to expand for 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.

If you live in a hot climate, choose an area that will get some shade from the sun in the hot afternoon. You can grow a healthy garden with less or more direct sunlight, but depending on the amount you receive, you will have to tailor your plant selection to suit. Choose a place with good soil if you can, though soil quality can always be improved later. Avoid rocky soil, or areas with poor drainage or steep slopes.

Now that the location is picked, it is time to start digging in the dirt! This is not a clean hobby, so get some gardening gloves, and be prepared for dirt under your nails. Clear out any weeds, debris, grass, or rocks in the garden plot. Use a shovel or pitchfork to dig down about one foot, turning the soil, and mixing in compost or minerals depending on need. If the soil is acidic, add some lime, but if it is sandy, try adding peat moss. You likely don’t need fertilizer, but if you do, choose organic, low-toxicity fertilizer.

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.

Be careful where you plant each plant or seed. Consider placing larger plants at the back of the plot, with smaller ones in the front. And check the weather forecast before you plant. If the last risk of frost is gone, then it is safe even for the more tender plants. If using seeds, check the seed package, which will have instructions on planting and growing.

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.

When the air is cool in the early morning, that is when you should water. The hot afternoon sun will evaporate much of the water, wasting this precious resource and costing you money. Evening water is to be avoided as well, because water can sit all night on plants, leading to mildew and several possible diseases. Depending how thirsty your particular plants are, and how hot your summer is, you will need to vary your watering schedule. In hot weather, you might need to let the roots drink three times a week.

Weeds can be controlled naturally by using compost or mulch. A few inches of organic mulch added to the soil will help with moisture retainment, plant fertility, and will keep roots cooler. Here are some things you can use as mulch: leaves, pine needles, manure, grass clippings, and wood chips.

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.