Written by: Julie Morris
Gardening is one of the most worthwhile hobbies one can pursue. Healthwise, it’s widely acknowledged to be a wonderful form of aerobic exercise, though you probably won’t realize that you’re exercising, as it’s very engrossing work. In that same vein, it’s also a great mood-booster and stress- and anxiety-reliever. And beyond the personal benefits, gardening is also beneficial for the environment, especially when it comes to reducing your carbon footprint.
Indeed, when it comes to gardening, the real challenge is getting started. It’s not as simple as sticking things into the soil and hoping they will grow. There’s a fair bit of science involved, too — not to mention, copious amounts of TLC. So, without further ado, here’s how you can successfully start and grow your very first garden.
Do Your Research
Like most things worth pursuing, creating your first garden starts with good, old-fashioned research. While you can’t expect to become an expert overnight, learning the nitty-gritty of gardening not only helps you plan your garden, but it also ensures that you’re knowledgeable enough to not beat blindly around the bush (pun intended).
First, you’ll want to know the kind of garden you want to create. In fact, there are more types of gardens than you might realize — running the gamut from vegetable and herb gardens to flower and botanical ones — and they’re definitely not created equal. Your choice of garden will definitely hinge on the kind of flora that you ultimately want to grow, as well as other factors such as weather and geography.
And speaking of which, it’s absolutely crucial to find out which plants, flowers, herbs, crops, etc. grow best in your region. The fact is, plants that flourish in one part of the world (or even country) will likely not thrive in another, so the physical location of your garden should definitely be part of your research. Of course, this isn’t where your research ends. You’ll also need to learn all about gardening techniques, working the soil, using fertilizers, dealing with weeds and pests, and so much more. So, yes, there’s lots to take in!
Invest in Tools
No doubt, among the things you’ll need to start your gardening adventure are the tools that will make it happen. So, expect to make a few investments in this regard. As a rule, you are going to need essentials, like a trowel, good pruning shears, a rake, a shovel, and a watering can and/or hose. A good pair of gardening gloves, wheelbarrow, etc. are also good to have.
It’s more than wise to have a checklist on hand as you get started to ensure that you get all the tools and materials that you might need, as well as the stuff that you’ll need to do before and as you start your garden.
Consider Hiring Landscaping Services
If your yard is looking a little rough around the edges and you want to get it in great shape before starting your garden, consider hiring professionals. A pro landscaper can make sure your yard looks fantastic so you can get your garden off on the right foot. You might also need to have dead trees or other trees removed to make room for your garden. Fortunately, finding a pro tree removal service is as easy as logging onto the internet. Websites like Angi.com, for instance, let you browse through reviews to see what other customers think about the expert tree removal contractors they’ve hired in and around your area. With a little extra homework, you’ll feel more confident about spending your money on the right person or company.
Start Small and Simple
Again, you’re likely not a gardening expert going in, so keep it simple for starters. One thing that will make your life easier as a first-time gardener is building raised beds. This not only ensures that you won’t find yourself overwhelmed with a weed problem, but you can also see better yields.
Another thing that you should do is to start small. The fact is, you’ll have plenty of stuff in your hands as you set up your garden for the first time, so it’s a good idea to forego starting from seeds in your first year. Rather, opt to replant and repot seedlings as a solid start.
Look Into Getting Guidance
Finally, there’s no rule that you really have to go it alone. After all, starting a garden can be a real challenge for a novice, so it can be prudent to have some guidance in the matter. Consider connecting with other gardeners in your area to help you plan and execute the garden of your dreams, as well as one that fits your needs and level of commitment best.
Indeed, there are plenty of reasons to start a garden, and very few reasons not to. But with due diligence, the right tools and methods, and even adequate assistance, it’s definitely well within your power to pull off. So, what are you waiting for? Start your garden today!
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