How to Start GardeningGardening is a relaxing and beneficial activity that can reduce stress. It also provides fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs that can add nutrition to diets.Although it is best to start planning your garden in the fall, you can be successful in spring. Use these helpful tips to start:.Decide what you would like to growThe first step is to choose what vegetables and herbs you want to grow. Many people struggle with this decision. Flipping through a seed catalog or browsing online it's easy to understand why this is one of the hardest aspects of starting gardening. Certain vegetables won't grow well in your garden or in your area.What plants thrive is dependent on the conditions in which you live. Your garden could also have microclimates, or areas that are drier or warmer than the rest of your garden. Your choices will be influenced by the type of soil. It should have a loose and smooth texture that isn't sticky or difficult to work with (clay) or crumbling in your hands (sand). It should be high in organic material, which can be achieved through compost, natural fertilizers such as ones made from eggshells and kitchen scraps, fish tanks water, and Epsoms salt and regular tilling of the soil.Once you've decided what you want to grow, create a list of the seeds you require. You should check the dates of planting on the seed packets and make sure they match the season you are growing in. Certain crops aren't able to be transplanted, so they are best sown directly. This includes root crops such as carrots, beets, beans, peas, and corn. Cucumbers, squash, and pumpkins do not like being transplanted, and are usually direct sown.Find a Great LocationThe area of your garden is the most important factor in determining the success of the garden. Vegetables require plenty of sunlight and water, while flowers require soil that drains well. Avoid zones where frost pockets might be found, as they could slow the growth of plants and even cause damage to them. If you aren't able to locate the perfect spot in your yard raised beds and containers are excellent alternatives.Begin by looking at the areas that are sunny on your property and determining how much sunlight they receive throughout the day. As you do, consider whether nearby trees, shrubs or even hard surfaces provide shade at certain periods of the year and how this affects the sun's path. After you've narrowed your choices down, pick the spot that gets the most sunlight during a typical day.Then, you should check the soil's quality. If the soil is sandy or silty you'll have a difficult time growing vegetables. If the soil is not good, you can amend it. But first, start gardening 'll have to work on it.If you have kids or other family members who will help in the garden, make plans by creating a play space within or near the area you plan to plant. Select a tire swing or sandbox, or even a garden bed that is chosen by your children. This keeps them entertained while you tend to the flowers and vegetables.Also, be aware of potential problems like rats, deer and rabbits which could cause damage to your garden. Avoid areas where harmful substances like lead paint or oil have leaked onto the ground. These chemicals could be present in your plants and could be harmful to your health. In addition, make sure the area is near water sources so you can easily hose down your plants in hot weather.Prepare the SoilStart small and gradually increase your abilities. Start with one bed or container if you intend to grow vegetables. This gives you the chance to get used to working with the soil, and learning what the plants do to it and how to prepare for future plantings. You'll also remain focused and motivated in the event that you are restricted to work in a small area at any given time.Gardeners who are knowledgeable know that a successful vegetable garden begins with healthy soil. home gardening supplies nutrients, stability and moisture to the crops. The most beneficial soil is a loose loamy mix that has been modified with organic material over the years such as compost or animal manure. This improves the soil structure to allow for better drainage and air circulation. Gardeners who have experience say that having good soil is the most crucial element of a successful vegetable garden.To prepare the soil to grow, it is necessary to remove any vegetation that is already present. This can be done by tilling, smothering or the combination of these methods. It is important to get rid of the existing vegetation in order to allow adequate aeration, and to increase the amount of organic matter in your soil.After removing any vegetation, the soil has to be thoroughly worked. You can accomplish this by digging the soil or tiling it to break it and loosen it. It is recommended to dig 6-8 inches into the soil. Then, add an organic layer between 3 and 4 inches thick. Mix it in with the soil using a broadfork or garden fork. Organic matter can be compost manure, shredded grass newspaper, cardboard, or newspaper. The trick is to add enough organic matter to ensure that the microbes and other beneficial soil-dwellers can easily break it down.The texture of the soil can also let you know if it is ready to be planted. It should break easily when you touch it. It shouldn't be wet and muddy since wet soil can cause soil compaction, which negatively affects root growth. It is recommended to amend the soil each year by adding organic material. It is more cost-effective to add organic material rather than commercial fertilizers that are quick fixes and reduce soil's fertility quickly.Plant Your SeedsStart seeds indoors to kick-start your gardening season, regardless of whether you're growing herbs, flowers, or vegetables. It's less expensive than purchasing transplants, and your crop tends to be more vigorous. You can learn important information from seed packets, for example, the planting time and soil requirements. Also note when the plant will set seeds so you can plan according to this. According to The Old Farmer's Almanac, the best way to guarantee a successful garden is to start with high-quality seeds from reputable companies.Then, make a list of the vegetables and flowers you'd like to grow. By using the seed catalogs to guide your selections to narrow down your options based on what you like eating and what looks beautiful in your backyard. Think about adding vegetables such as bell peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers and squash to your menu. For a garden that is vibrant you can choose flowers like marigolds, zinnias, and cosmos, and try to find varieties that are resistant to diseases.Visit your local farmer's market or CSAs to gain an understanding of the different types of seeds. This is a great opportunity to support local businesses while connecting with other gardeners. Additionally, you can taste the best of the season.Most vegetables are easy to grow from seeds, including beans and lettuce. However certain vegetables, such as peppers and tomatoes require a lengthy growing season and may need to be planted indoors prior to the last date for frost. Fortunately, a wide variety of vegetables and herbs can be "direct sow" outdoors after the risk of frost has been eliminated.Be sure to purchase your seeds from a supplier that sells organic and heritage varieties. start gardening is a company that offers quality seeds with beautiful illustrations on their packets. garden grow is a nonprofit organization that works to preserve America's culturally varied but endangered food crop heritage.You can determine the amount of time it takes to plant seeds indoors or outside by counting backwards from your average last frost date. Remember to only plant what you can grow. Plants that are crowded are more prone to diseases and will compete with each one for light, water and nutrients.