Gardening is a hobby enjoyed by many people worldwide for its therapeutic and calming benefits. It’s also an incredibly rewarding pastime that can provide you with both physical and mental satisfaction. But if you’re just starting, it can seem like a daunting task to tackle.
Fortunately, there are plenty of tips and tricks to make gardening easier for beginners. From choosing the right plants to understanding soil types, these six fantastic gardening pieces of advice will help you get off on the right foot in your new hobby!
1. Start Small
Don’t be tempted to undertake a big project right away. Choose a few small plants or seeds and familiarize yourself with their requirements. Start with easy-to-maintain plants like succulents and herbs, along with a few flowers. This way, you’ll learn basic gardening techniques while also enjoying the fruits of your labor.
Additionally, make sure you designate a suitable spot for your plants. If you have access to a balcony or outdoor patio, that’s ideal. Otherwise, consider investing in a few planters or window boxes so you can bring the outdoors inside!
2. Professionals Are Your Best Friends
If you want to get serious about gardening, be sure to take advantage of professional help and advising services—the local garden center or nursery will be able to give you advice on how best to manage your specific project. At https://www.treeservicessacramento.org/rancho-cordova/, you can see how a tree removal service can not only help with larger projects but also with trimming, pruning, and other services. If there are larger projects that you’re taking on, it’s best to consult with a professional and have your garden as a clean canvas and as safe as possible.
3. Know Your Zone
Before purchasing any plants, make sure you know what kind of climate is needed for their growth and survival. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) divides the country into zones based on its climate, ranging from zone 1 (the coldest) to zone 13 (the warmest).
For instance, California is located in zones 8, 9, and 10. If a plant needs zone 6 or 7, it’s not suitable for your garden.
On the other hand, plants with a wide range of zones can tolerate different climates and are more suitable for home gardens. For instance, alyssum is ideal for zones 3 – 8, while lavender grows in zones 5 – 11.
4. Choose the Right Soil
As any experienced gardener will tell you, having suitable soil is key to successful gardening. Not all soils are created equal—soils can vary greatly in terms of texture, drainage, and nutrient levels. The best soil for planting is one that’s rich in organic matter and well-drained.
Before planting, you should prepare the soil by tilling it and adding compost or fertilizer if necessary. This will ensure that your plants get the nutrients they need to thrive. Then, use a soil test to check the pH level and adjust it if necessary.
If you want to grow vegetables or herbs, you may also want to consider building a raised bed. This can help improve soil drainage and provide more space for plants.
5. Water Wisely
Be sure to water your plants properly—overwatering can cause root rot and other problems while underwatering can result in wilting and leaf shedding. The amount of water needed will depend on the type of plant, its location, and the climate.
Furthermore, container plants need more frequent watering than those in the ground because their roots don’t have access to as much soil moisture. Additionally, it’s best to water plants early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid excess evaporation.
6. Select Disease-Resistant Varieties
When selecting plants for your garden, try to choose disease-resistant varieties—this will make it easier for you to keep pests and diseases at bay without the use of harsh chemicals. Many nurseries label plants according to their disease resistance, so be sure to look out for this when shopping around.
For instance, tomatoes with the label “VFN” are resistant to verticillium wilt, fusarium wilt, and nematodes. Likewise, roses labeled “ARS” resist black spots and powdery mildew. On the other hand, those labeled “F” are highly susceptible to disease.
Gardening is an enjoyable and rewarding activity that anyone can do with a little bit of knowledge. Remember to choose plants suited for your climate zone, use quality soil, and water wisely and select disease-resistant varieties.
Additionally, don’t forget to take advantage of professional help whenever needed—they can provide invaluable advice on how best to manage larger projects or trimming/pruning services.
With this guide as a starting point, nothing is stopping you from achieving success in the garden!
