Are you considering picking up a new hobby in the form of gardening? It could be one of the best things you can do for yourself. That’s because studies show that gardening and time spent outside can benefit both your physical and mental health.
However, if you don’t have a green thumb, it can be hard to know how to begin. We’re here to help.
Keep reading to learn the best gardening tips to help you enjoy your new hobby and grow a bountiful harvest and fragrant flowers in the process.
1. Pick the Right Spot
If you want a flourishing garden, you need sun, plain and simple. So, start by paying attention to different spots around your yard. Is there a section that gets more sunlight than others? If so, this could be a good spot for your garden.
Of course, it depends on what you plan to grow in your garden. But for most edible vegetables and herbs, you’ll need to make sure they get at least six hours of sunlight per day, so pick a bright spot to get started.
2. Start Small
When you’re first starting out, you’re not even sure if your gardening hobby will last. Don’t bite off more than you can chew! Instead, start with a very small section with only one or two types of seeds.
Then, see how long it takes you to tend to that area. Are you willing to put in more time? Does it seem like this hobby is here to stay? If so, then start to gradually grow your garden to take up more space and include more seeds.
3. Prevent Pests
There’s nothing worse than going out to tend to your garden, only to realize that pests have invaded your plants. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to keep your garden safe.
If you have a problem with caterpillars and beetles, consider some strategic planting to keep the bugs away. Plants like mint, dill, and catnip are natural pest repellants that will help keep your plants in good condition.
If that’s not enough, contact a pest control company to learn more about how they can help keep more persistent pests away from your garden.
4. Water Mindfully
Aside from the sun, water is the key to getting your plants to thrive. However, it’s easy to both overwater and underwater your plants, if you’re not careful.
When setting up your garden, make sure your site is close to a water source so that the watering process is easy for you to maintain. This helps prevent underwatering.
But, how can you prevent overwatering? Follow the three-second rule. If you can count to three with the water still pooled on the surface of the soil, then you’ve watered enough. If your plant’s leaves start to droop, then it’s a good sign that they’re ready for another drink. Otherwise, resist the urge to water them too often.
Follow These Gardening Tips for Success
Now that you’ve read through these gardening tips, you’re ready to start your home garden! By following these steps, you’ll be enjoying your bounty before you know it. Time to start planting!
Looking for more like this? Take a few moments to browse through our other home content before you go.
