What Do I Need To Know Bwfore I Begin Gardening

What You Should Know Before Starting a Garden

Ready to get growing? These gardening tips can help.

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Starting a garden Photo: Shutterstock

Starting a garden is expensive

Build a thrifty patio garden with containers you find on the curb—just drill drainage holes. "The only thing you should splurge on is good quality potting soil and seeds," says Toronto gardening writer Gayla Trail. You'll save later on produce. Find out the best annual flowers for pots.

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Urban gardening Photo: Shutterstock

No yard? No problem!

If you don't have a yard or your soil is inhospitable, you can still do some fruitful urban gardening in containers. The bigger the pots, the better, says Trail. "The soil will stay wet longer in a large container," she explains.

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Planting a plant in the soil Photo: Shutterstock

Gardening has benefits you can't put a price on

In a 2011 Dutch study, two groups of people were asked to complete a stressful task, then assigned 30 minutes of either gardening or reading. The gardeners' stress hormones were found to be significantly lower.

Find out more ways gardening is good for you.

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Working in soil in backyard garden Photo: Shutterstock

Dirt has surprising benefits

What makes digging in the dirt so satisfying? It might be the dirt itself. M. vaccae, a healthy bacterium that lives in soil, has been found to increase serotonin and provide anxiety relief when inhaled.

These genius yard tool hacks will make your landscaping chores a lot easier this summer.

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Senior citizens maintaining their backyard garden Photo: Shutterstock

Gardening's physical benefits increase as we age

Digging, pulling weeds and planting help strengthen your hands, which is especially important for seniors, whose loss of grip strength worsens arthritis pain and leads to difficulty performing tasks.

Roll out the welcome mat for theseinsects that are good for your garden.

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Starting a garden - pretty home garden Photo: Shutterstock

Maintenance may take as little as five minutes a day

"As much time as it takes to walk around your garden and put your finger in the soil up to the second knuckle," says gardening columnist and broadcaster Mark Cullen. "If it feels moist and cool, there's no need to water."

These simple gardening hacks will come in handy.

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Planting flower in garden Photo: Shutterstock

Learning your soil type is key

Understanding your soil type—sand, silt, clay or loam—is crucial when starting a garden. Your soil type can tell you which plants will do best and which amendments you'll need to add, such as peat moss for better drainage. "Grab some earth and squeeze it," Trail says. "Sand feels gritty, clay will stick together in a ball, and loam feels light and fluffy, like cake."

Find out the best mosquito repellent plants to grow in your yard.

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Starting a garden - weeding the garden Photo: Shutterstock

Don't disregard weeds

Weeding several times a week provides the best return on your time invested. "Weeds are competition for desirable plants, so you need to get rid of them to maximize the productivity of your food plants and flowers," says Cullen.

Want to brighten up your backyard? Consider these colourful plants!

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Red mulch Photo: Shutterstock

Mulch is a gardener's BFF

A five- to 10-centimetre layer of straw or shredded leaves around the base of your plants will do double duty holding moisture in and preventing weeds.

Prevent weeds in your garden with these organic lawn care tips.

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Watering plants in garden Photo: Shutterstock

Don't ignore yellowed, limp leaves

If you're starting a garden, you might be killing your garden with too much love. "Nine out of 10 plant problems are caused by overwatering," says Cullen. "If the soil feels cool and damp, don't water."

Add thesebee-friendly plants to your yard, garden or balcony.

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Soaker hose Photo: Shutterstock

Experienced gardeners swear by soaker hoses

Keeping water off the foliage will prevent mildew and cut costs on your water bill by delivering the moisture directly to the roots.

Make sure you never plant these flowers in you garden.

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Holding fertilized soil Photo: Shutterstock

Fast-track your compost

A compost pile can be a great source of free fertilizer, but it takes time to brew. Cheat by dropping lettuce leaves, eggshells, banana peels and coffee grounds in a pot, filling with soil and placing plants on top, giving the roots steady access to nutrients.

Now that you know all about starting a garden, check out 19 gardening tips that will save you time and money.

Originally Published: June 04, 2021