Gardening for beginners

Start small

Chances are that you won't have the option of gardening expansive tracts of land in your yard. If you do, you should probably consider it a farm. Nevertheless, starting off small does not suggest your lack of ability as a gardener. Gardening in a small area or with few plants is the right step when you're a beginner.

A small garden is good for beginning gardeners. First, the task will not seem overwhelming. Second, if you are unsuccessful the area will not be as noticeable (remember we learn more from failure). So, find a spot where the garden is sure to be seen both from inside your house as well as outside. Your garden is to be enjoyed and therefore must be seen.

Choosing the site

Certain plants require certain growing conditions. Before planting, make sure the area where you want to garden is suitable for the intended plants. Vegetables and most flowering plants need about six hours of sun light a day. You'll want to consider when the sun hits the desired area. Generally, sun exposure in the afternoon tends to dry out plants faster because it is usually hotter than morning exposure. Also, evaluate other factors that make plant survival difficult like foot traffic and wind exposure. After considering the right site, you're ready to begin gardening.

All important soil

It may seem obvious, but checking the soil is probably the most important factor when beginning a garden. Plants do best in unobstructed top soil. As a beginning gardener, if you're unable to determine the soil's texture (sandy, clay, or rocky), check your soil's pH. An acceptable range for most plants falls in a neutral range (6.2 to 6.8). Any questions about pH can usually be answered at a local nursery.

The growing area

The area where you choose to garden must be cleared of any pre-existing grass or weeds. You can till the area in the fall without removing the grass or weeds. This allows the refuse decompose adding to the fertility of the area in the spring. You'll probably want to add an organic fertilizer in the spring. Good soil is the key to the garden.

Time to plant

Ideally, you'll want to plant on an overcast day with a rain in forecast. Realistically, you will plant when you have the time. Keep in mind to limit stress to new plants as much as possible. Here are some general tips.

• Water the plants in their pots the day before you intend to plant.

• Don't remove all the plants from their pots and leave them sitting in the sun for the roots to dry out.

• Bury the plant to the depth it was in the pot. Too deep and the stem will rot. Too high and the roots will dry out.

• Don't press down hard on the plants as you cover them. Watering will settle them into the ground.

• Water your newly planted garden as soon as it is planted and make sure it gets at one inch of water per week.

• Cover the area with mulch.

Garden maintenance

Maintenance of the area is crucial. Everything is planted and growing. Now you need to keep it that way. Make sure the area receives a sufficient amount of water. You'll also need to keep the garden weed free. When you're weeding the garden, take some time to remove old blossoms. If some of the plants are starting to bend, correct this by staking them. Lastly, enjoy your garden's sights and smells. After all, that is why you planted it.