Gardening means more than decorating a space outdoors. It's not even necessary that you have a green thumb. It is an activity which offers the gardener opportunities for achieving serenity and gaining a greater appreciation of life. Gardening is best when you have the knowledge to do it right.
Transform the handles of your tools into convenient measuring devices. Large handled tools like rakes, hoes or shovels may be used like measuring sticks. Place the handles on the ground and measure them. Label the distances onto them using a permanent marker pen. When you decide to work in the garden again, you will now have a ruler at your disposal.
Check your soil before you begin planting your garden. You can get a soil analysis, and if you find your soil needs a supplement, do it! Cooperative Extension departments often offer this testing service. It is a worthwhile effort so a garden can be productive on the first year of planting.
Plan your vegetable garden on paper! Make a detailed list of everything that you would like to plant, and include a clear drawing of your available growing space. You can then use that drawing to plan out where each item should be planted. Make sure you are giving consideration to required sunlight, plant maturity, height and width, and moisture control.
If your garden space is limited, opt for a fruit-bearing dwarf tree. In a city lot, you might find a very small garden area. Nonetheless, a miniature fruit tree can be squeezed in. These trees start bearing fruit 3-5 years after planting, producing a full size fruit. Plant dormant trees during spring and be sure to keep them watered until they are fully established.
Keep your plants dry and aerated daily. Plant moisture is a big attraction to both parasites and plant diseases. Fungus infections are common in overly moist plants. To control fungi, use a fungicide spray on the area before you notice any problems.
Many houseplants need more humidity than their indoor environment provides. This can be achieved by putting several plants in a single pot, or surrounding a single plant with stones and compost in a pot larger than it would otherwise require. You can also provide the requisite humidity for your houseplants by using a spray bottle to mist it one or two times per day.
Clay soil makes working with a shovel difficult. The clay is hard and sticks to the shovel. Use a thin coat of floor or car wax on your shovel, then buff it with a nice clean cloth to make dealing with clay soil easier. The clay easily slides off the surface while keeping the end from getting rusty.
Mulching is a good thing to do in your garden. Mulching also decreases water evaporation rates in the soil and helps keep out the weeds.
Use smarts when watering your garden. Consider a soaker hose as a way to water multiple plants while saving time. To avoid damaging delicate plants, you should water them with low pressure. Just use it on your foliage for a few hours.
It just requires some effort and a bit of learning on your part, and of course, a whole lot of patience. This work will show when you see all of your plants grow!
