Remember that gardening can be strenuous. If you have a bad back or knees, take precautions to protect yourself or find someone to help with the digging or lifting of larger gardening supplies. Finally, think about children and pets and ensure you do not grow any plants that may be dangerous to them.

Process of Gardening

Different gardens and plants will require different steps. However, the basic process of planting and growing a garden include:

• Prepare the soil. This may include laying down potting soil and mixing it with the existing earth to create a better bed for the plants.
• Consider whether you need chemical fertilizers at this point. Most gardeners prefer plant stakes for the initial fertilizing as the plant "food" is released slowly. During watering the stakes begin to slowly dissolve over a period of days and are thus more gently on the young plants.
• Pick which plants you want to grow. Be sure to consider the amount of sunlight the plants require and to position them accordingly. If you don't understand phrases like "full sun" or "partial shade" talk to someone at your local plant nursery.
• Plan the layout of your garden. If you are undertaking an organic garden, find out which plants should be positioned next to teach other to maximize natural pest control.
• Plant your seeds or plants. Always put seeds at the recommended depth and don't forget to water the plot when you're done. If you are putting in bedding plants, remove the plants from the container and loosen the packed soil around the roots before setting the plant in the earth.
• Water according to schedule and watch for insect activity. Tell tale signs are chewed spots on leaves, brown patches, or spider webs.
• Prune, weed, spray for insects, fertilize, and harvest as necessary.

Where to Get Gardening Supplies

There are many different places to get gardening supplies, some with inexpensive prices. A local plant nursery will have everything you need as well as experts to answer questions. For the more experienced gardener, plants, seeds, and tools can be purchased on the Internet. Farmer's markets and county fairs often have booths with plants and it is not uncommon for the local garden or plant society to host an annual sale.

Benefits of Gardening

Gardening has many benefits including the satisfaction of watching plants grow and thrive. Gardens are peaceful places to reconnect with nature. They allow children to learn about growing things and to gain an appreciation for the food they eat. Finding the best ways of organic gardening allows people to feel they are doing something for the environment. Container gardening brings a piece of the outdoors inside. Some method of gardening will work for you and you won't regret the time you invest in your plants.