Health Benefits of GardeningGardening is an exercise that can reap surprising health benefits. Gardening is an excellent way to exercise and improve your heart health.Beginners should start with a small size. A large garden can be overwhelming for newcomers and excessive gardening can cause stress to plants.SoilSoil is an incredible natural resource that is able to support many different species. It is a rich source of minerals and holds water in a way that is beneficial to plants. It helps regulate temperature, and is a home for microorganisms that keep the garden healthy.Soils are made up of minerals, dead and living organisms (organic matter) as well as air and water. They are eco-systems by themselves and are among the most dynamic resources we have.As wind, water, and temperature changes break down rocks into smaller particles, the mineral part of soil is formed. These tiny particles are then mixed with organic material from plant and animal remains as they decay or decompose. This creates a mixture of clay, silt and sand that makes up the soil.When you garden, you need to select a spot that has a mix of these three components that drains well after rain and is easily accessible for watering. If you are looking to improve drainage in the area, add sand. If the soil is abundant in organic matter you can amend it by adding humus or other varieties of compost to make it better for gardening.Adding organic matter to soil is one of the most important things you can do to your garden. Utilizing the Back to Eden method, gardeners spread cardboard or newspaper as the first layer, and then add several inches of compost over the top layer. Organic matter is home for microorganisms that will eventually transform other elements of the soil into a suitable substrate to plant. The fungi and bacteria in the soil can promote healthy growth for your plants by assisting them to get the nutrients they require. vegetable gardening provide food and fiber, they form the foundation of a multibillion-dollar annual tourism industry. provide attractive gardens and national parks and make a difference in the world where beauty is a key part of everyday life. Botany is the study of plants in their natural habitat and horticulture is the cultivation and maintenance of garden plan ts.Just like vegetable gardening require nutrients in order to grow and stay healthy. A gardener's job is to provide these nutrients in a balanced fashion. These nutrients can affect the health of the plant, its growth, appearance, and even taste.Some gardeners plant plants for their medicinal qualities, while others cultivate trees, flowers and shrubs to achieve aesthetic goals. Beautifully designed flowers and trees can be attractive they provide shade, alter temperatures, cut down on noise or wind, provide privacy, and help prevent soil erosion. Shrubs, like boxwoods or hollyhocks are often used as natural fences or serve as a backdrop for gardens.People who love working in gardens or viewing stunningly landscaped areas feel better and appreciate nature more. Studies have also proven that children who participate in gardening programs are more likely to make healthier choices in their food and consume more vegetables, while seniors who engage in horticulture-related activities benefit from increased strength and endurance. In addition, the presence of aesthetically-pleasing gardens and landscapes in hospital recovery rooms accelerates the healing process and provides patients with a feeling of comfort and compassion.WeedsMany gardeners consider weeds to be undesirable plants that compete for sunlight and water, as well as nutrients with their vegetable or flowering plants. While they can be competitive, weeds may be beneficial to the ecosystem by providing species that improve the soil and attract beneficial insects. They also repel pests and provide food and medicines.Weeds can indicate soil conditions and large patches of one kind of weed indicating the existence of a problem. For example the dandelion (Danae sativa) and burdock have deep taproots which break up sour or compacted soil; peppergrass (Lepidium verginicum) thrives in soggy acidic soils; and plantain (Plantago spp.) indicates low fertility. It is difficult to control perennial weeds that have creeping roots, such as common bermudagrass and yellow nutsedge, by repeated cultivation. Each piece of underground plant material that is chopped or raked up could grow roots and eventually become a new plant.Some serious exotic weeds like knotweed (Piper nodosum) can grow from a single rooted part of stem or root. They often are found along fence lines and in the gravel under trees, forming a dense mat of green that is difficult to pull out of the ground. It is recommended to stop knotweed by spreading a thick layer of mulch, spot-treating the area or removing it by hand.Some garden weeds, like stinging-nettle (Urtica dioica), have medicinal properties. The leaves are high in vitamins B2, A, C, and K and minerals like calcium, potassium iodine magnesium iron zinc and chlorophyll. Elderberry (Sambucus Canadensis), berries, are used to replace coffee. The roots are also believed to reduce inflammation and ease joint pain. The sweet flowers (Viola cornuta), which are found on periwinkles, draw beneficial insects. The seeds of the plant are used in herbal remedies.PestsThere are numerous alternatives to pesticides. The best way to prevent pests is to ensure that you cultivate and apply soil amendments. Make sure to check the underside of leaves every week at a minimum to identify pests before they appear. Additionally, mulches can be used to keep soil moisture in check and suppress the growth of weeds.In the fruit and vegetable garden, be on the lookout for aphids. These tiny pear-shaped insects sucking sap from plants can cause fungal diseases to harm stems and leaves. Aphids can be identified by sticky honeydew that appears on the undersides of leaves.To fight aphids, aphid-eating predatory insects such as ladybugs, lacewings, and praying mantises can be bought from horticultural supply companies. Ground beetles, syrphid flies, and parasitic wasps also prey on the aphids.If you already have a garden and want to create an environment that attracts predatory bugs can reduce pest infestations. You can do this by planting flowers and plants that attract attractive pollen or nectar to these natural enemies.You can also use non-toxic alternatives to deal with certain pests. For example Nematodes kill vine weevil larvae and fungi eliminate diseases in plant tissue. Biological controls require patience as they require time to work.Pick the most secure pesticides if you must. There are many kinds of organic sprays that irritate the skin and lungs of pests, but also being safe for human skin and the natural environment. Garlic, hot pepper and onion sprays are just a few of the most commonly used. Certain sprays contain bacteria, fungi, or viruses which can infect and kill pests. It's important to read the labels on the sprays to confirm that they're safe to use in your garden.WaterGardening is a long-running process of discovery and experimentation. New varieties of vegetables, flowers, and other plants are continuously being created through selective cross-breeding breeders of plants. This makes gardening less risky than it was in the past. It also means that gardens are more tolerant to the ravages of weather, pests and other environmental hazards.Gardens are often a place for the expression of social or political views, whether intentionally or not. For example some gardeners might plant only native plants in their yards to promote an ecological mindset. Others might choose to design an area that reflects their culture and heritage. Gardening is an excellent way to exercise and may even help you get healthy. A study conducted by Be Independent HomeCare found that gardening is a good source of cardiovascular exercise and can lower your blood pressure. This is because gardening involves manual labor that strengthens your heart.It is important to water a garden well and regularly. The majority of experts recommend soaking soil in a deep way, which is at least eight inches below the surface. This is a better way of watering because the soil on the surface tends to evaporate quickly. The process of soaking allows the water to linger, and it can be able to reach the roots, where they require the most.You should also use water that is low in sodium. High sodium content can damage plants, particularly those with fine textured soils. Squeezing soil between your fingers and thumbs will reveal the sodium content of the water you use for gardening. If the soil is moist and smooth you can use it. However, if the soil is dry, or smears on your hand, you should change the water you're using.