The hobby of gardening works equally well for people of all ages as a satisfying pastime that provides hours of entertainment and leisure.

The Three Rs of Gardening

The three Rs of gardening are reducing, reusing and recycling, which are implemented in order to save the environment (and save money).ReduceTry to limit the amount of items you buy with packaging. Don't buy extra pots and packaged seeds if they are not needed.

Reuse

Reuse things to save the environment. Consider reusing pots and using things from around the house to prop up plants or to tie them in place.

Recycle

Recycle any papers or other recyclable material. Put vegetable scraps and clippings into a compost bin, or consider starting a worm farm.

Different Types of Gardens

There are many different types of gardens, making the pursuit available to different people in various living arrangements.

Vegetable Gardening

Vegetable gardening allows you to grow food that your family then gets to eat. There is something satisfying about eating your own home-grown vegetables and tending the family garden plot is a good way to teach children about plants and about responsibility.

Flower-bed Gardening

This type of gardening involves the growing of flowers for a pleasing result. As an important element of landscaping, flower beds not only make the area around your house more attractive, but if you are planning to sell, they enhance the value of the property by improving its "curb appeal."

Rock Gardening

This type of gardening uses rocks and plants, normally cacti and other succulents, to create pleasing displays in drier more arid regions where flowering plants don't do as well.

Herb Gardening

Herb gardening not only produces plants your family can use for culinary and natural medicinal purposes, but many herbs are attractive and aromatic and, when planted in combination with decorative, flowering plants can serve as a deterrent to unwanted insects in your yard. (Once you learn about herb gardening, you will be surprised at the many different ways that herbs can be used.)

Square Foot Gardening

Square foot gardening involves the growing of plants in boxes and grids. It requires less space than normal gardening, and is an easier method for those with limited space. It can even be accomplished on apartment patios and balconies with planting boxes of soil.

Indoor and Container gardening

Container gardening is the method of growing plants in containers. It is often used for people who wish to grow plants indoors, or for those who have limited spaces. Container gardening is particularly good for apartment dwellers. Flowers, ornamental trees (such as ficus), bushes and herbs can all be grown in containers. Ask your local nursery for the best type of plants to grow in containers in your area and the type of care they will need.

Organic Gardening

Organic gardening is a method of gardening that seeks to use only organic materials to provide a chemical free planting environment and, in the case of vegetables, chemical free produce. Instead of using pesticides and other toxic substances, safer methods are employed to reduce pests and to ensure healthy growth.

Gardening Tools

There are many different gardening tools available to help the gardener in their tasks. Some are essential and others may be used if they are beneficial. Some of tools and gardening supplies you may require include: spade, pick, rake, pruning saw, trowel, knife, hose, watering can, gloves, cushion for kneeling, wheelbarrow, seeds, pots, potting soil, string, stakes, fertilizer, and pesticide.

What Should You Consider Before Taking up Gardening?

Before you start on your garden, you should consider the following factors.

• What size garden do you want?
• Where do you want your garden to be? Does it have to be indoors or on a balcony?
• How much space do you have?
• Do you want your plants in containers or would you prefer them planted in the ground?
• Do you want a garden that is aimed primarily for its beauty or for its usefulness?
• How much time do you have? Do you need plants that require minimum care?
• What plants are suited to the area in which you live?
• Are you prepared to wait a while for your garden to be established or do you want a garden that looks great quickly?
• Do you want to grow your garden organically or are you fine with using chemicals?
• Do you have any medical conditions that may make some gardening tasks difficult?

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