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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 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 the site is your next step. Of course, where you live will ultimately determine where your garden will be. Ideally, your garden plot will be situated in an area that receives at least six hours of daylight. Try to stay away from large trees, as their roots can rob your plants of water and nutrients. It's also a good idea to keep your garden at least three feet from any 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. After you've chosen the location, it's time for the real fun to begin: when you can dig in and really get into gardening. This is not a clean hobby, so prepare to get a little dirt under your nails. First, you're going to need to remove any rocks, debris, weeds and grass from your garden plot, and then use a spade or pitchfork to dig down about one foot deep. Mix in compost or minerals if required, and level the dirt. If your soil is too acidic, add lime; if it's too sandy, add peat moss. When you add in the proper fertilizer, your plants will thrive in either neutral or acidic soil. 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. 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.
Article Source: http://www.familygardenhome.com
Author Dionne Voughar is a columnist for several popular web magazines, on fishing sports recreation and family portrait subjects. This and other unique content container gardening articles are available with free reprint rights.
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