Article
Return to Childhood -- Get Into Gardening
By: Dionne Voughar
When you were a kid, there was nothing better than running around outside, with the wind in your hair and the earth under your bare feet. Now that you've grown, you might be surprised to find that the feeling is exactly the same. If you haven't tried gardening, it's time to roll up your sleeves, and pant legs, and get reacquainted with the great outdoors.
If gardening is new for you, it is best to start small. A planter bed of about 20 - 30 square feet would be great, and will help keep about 30 plants in a neat, controllable space. Starting with this size will allow you to wet your green thumb without being overwhelmed by a large project. After your first year, you may realize that you absolutely love gardening, so you can then increase the size of your plot for the next season.
Choosing a good planting site is crucial. Where you live will be the biggest determining factor, but preferably you can plant in a spot that gets at least six hours of good light each day. Roots of large trees should be avoided, as they can steal your plants' nutrients and water. And try to keep your garden three feet or more away from any buildings or fences.
In hot climates, try to choose an area that will provide your garden with shade from some of the intense afternoon sun. Healthy gardens can certainly grow with more or less direct sunlight, but you may have to be flexible with the variety of plants that you choose. Finally, a site with good soil is best, although the quality and condition of the soil can always be improved. It's advisable to avoid areas with rocky soil, steep slopes or poor drainage.
Now that the location is picked, it is time to start digging in the dirt! This is not a clean hobby, so get some gardening gloves, and be prepared for dirt under your nails. Clear out any weeds, debris, grass, or rocks in the garden plot. Use a shovel or pitchfork to dig down about one foot, turning the soil, and mixing in compost or minerals depending on need. If the soil is acidic, add some lime, but if it is sandy, try adding peat moss. You likely don't need fertilizer, but if you do, choose organic, low-toxicity fertilizer.
The beds are ready and it's time to plant your garden. Deciding whether to start from seeds or plants is really a personal choice, although starting with plants can help you to determine the final growing pattern more clearly. Be sure to choose plants with healthy roots and green leaves and stems. Avoid "leggy" plants that have long stalks, or plants with yellowed leaves.
Be careful where you plant each plant or seed. Consider placing larger plants at the back of the plot, with smaller ones in the front. And check the weather forecast before you plant. If the last risk of frost is gone, then it is safe even for the more tender plants. If using seeds, check the seed package, which will have instructions on planting and growing.
For plants to grow strong and healthy, you need to give them regular love and care. The main thing is watering in the right proportions and times. If you have plants in containers, or on a patio, you can water with can and fill it from a tap. But if you have a larger garden, you will have to use a hose to get the quantity of water necessary for healthy growth. When you water, soak the roots. Don't merely spray a light coating on the surface of the plants and ground.
Watering is most effective early in the morning when the temperature is still cool. Watering during the hot afternoon sun is a waste of money, as the moisture evaporates before it reaches the root systems. Watering in the late afternoon or evening can cause moisture to stay on your plants all night, creating mildew and disease. Knowing how often to water depends entirely on the types of plants you've chosen. Most require about an inch a week. During hot spells, your plants should be watered three times a week.
Finally, use mulch or compost as natural protection and weed control for your garden. Adding just a few inches of organic mulch will keep the roots cool, greatly improve the fertility of your plants, and help the soil to retain moisture. Wood chips, grass clippings, manure, leaves, and pine needles can all be used as mulch.
Once you get into gardening, you'll wonder why on earth you haven't done it till now. Aside from the absolute joy you'll feel from harvesting your own delicious vegetables and beautiful flowers, you'll remember just how much you've missed the wind and the earth. You'll feel like a kid again.
About the Author: Author Dionne Voughar contributes to a variety of web sites, on recreation camping and family growing themes.