Ten Things Every Gardener Should Know

Gardening is a fun way to enjoy the outdoors, but it is also a livelihood for many.  Whether you choose to garden solely for recreational purposes or you have business interests planted in your soil, it’s important to keep these things in mind to help your garden thrive.

Provide a level planting surface for your garden.  If you plant on an incline, you risk water runoff before it has the opportunity to soak into the soil and provide your garden with the nutrients that it needs.

Always loosen the soil before planting.  This allows the seeds or, if transplanting, the roots to attract and feed off of the soil’s nutrients that are necessary for survival.

Do not plant anything too close to a wall or privacy fence.  A lack of air circulation from plants that are located too close to a wall or privacy fence increases the likelihood of a fungus buildup, which can destroy your garden.  Always keep plants 2-3 feet from the wall or fence and make sure to keep in mind the maturity size when planning for the proper space.

Know your region.  Your geographical location will have a large impact on what type of plants to include in your garden.  Study your climate, look at the life of various plants and determine which are best suited for your gardening needs before planting.

Consider the correct seed spacing when planting.  Did you know that the best spacing for your seeds depend greatly on how much room the mature plant will need?  It’s true, so be sure to keep this in mind to avoid planting too closely and causing congestion in your garden.

Time is of the essence.  Although a gardener can water his/her garden at any time, most prefer the early morning hours when the air is still cool.

The correct watering method is important for your plant’s health.  If you apply water directly to the soil, where your plant receives it nutrients, you will be helping your garden to thrive as opposed to pouring the water directly onto the plant itself.

If you are planting a flower garden, consider choosing plants that are known to attract butterflies and birds.  For specific plant types, consult a gardening expert or your local nursery.  Many gardeners enjoy their colorful plants combined with frequent visits from some of nature’s most beautiful creatures, which makes for a picture perfect garden.

Take care of any home repairs that may affect your garden before planting.  Such possibilities include anything that may require digging or any disruption of the soil near your garden.

Assess your soil.  If you live in an area where the soil does not have enough nutrients for your garden, you can add synthetic or organic fertilizer to help your plants thrive.