When you were a kid, there was nothing better than running around outside, with the wind in your hair and the earth under your bare feet. Now that you've grown, you might be surprised to find that the feeling is exactly the same. If you haven't tried gardening, it's time to roll up your sleeves, and pant legs, and get reacquainted with the great outdoors.
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.
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.
Choose a place that gets shaded from the hot afternoon sun, especially if you live in a hot climactic zone. A good garden will grow with variable light, but you may have to tailor the plants you choose, depending on the light level. Pick a spot with good soil, although keep in mind that you can improve soil later. Don't plant in rocky soil, or a spot with really steep slopes or poor drainage.
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.
When planting, position smaller plants at the front of the bed, and larger ones behind. The key to a successful beginning in gardening is planting at the right time. Make sure that the risk of frost has passed before planting your tender varieties, although some annuals, like pansies and violas, can safely weather the spring frost. If you are planting seeds, read the package for important information about when and how to plant.
For plants to grow strong and healthy, you need to give them regular love and care. The main thing is watering in the right proportions and times. If you have plants in containers, or on a patio, you can water with can and fill it from a tap. But if you have a larger garden, you will have to use a hose to get the quantity of water necessary for healthy growth. When you water, soak the roots. Don't merely spray a light coating on the surface of the plants and ground.
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.
Once you get into gardening, you'll wonder why on earth you haven't done it till now. Aside from the absolute joy you'll feel from harvesting your own delicious vegetables and beautiful flowers, you'll remember just how much you've missed the wind and the earth. You'll feel like a kid again.
Dionne Voughar loves writing for several well-known online magazines, on outdoor recreation and home decor subjects. This and other unique content 'container gardening' articles are available with free reprint rights.
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