The Benefits of Home GardeningHome gardens are tried and tested local strategies that have been proven to decrease hunger and poverty. They have a range of environmental, social, and economic benefits.A lush garden can elevate a woman's status among the Achuar tribes of the upper Amazon. In Tajikistan gardens at home provide food and nutrition for the family.1. Know Your PlantsIt is important to determine what plants are thriving in your garden prior to you start to plant your own vegetables and flowers. A little research can help you avoid investing in seeds that will not grow or introduce invading species into your yard. Talk to your neighbors, the local nursery or your cooperative extension service. In addition to this you can also do some online research to pinpoint the varieties of plants that will thrive in your region and climate.For many households, the home garden is a subsistence agriculture on a small scale that produce a variety of crops for household consumption and income generation. The literature shows that home gardens are an effective strategy to increase nutrition and food security in different socio-economic situations. They offer an efficient and sustainable method to tackle the issue of daily food shortages and price fluctuation. They also help to maintain a healthy diet by offering various nutrient-rich vegetables and fruits as well as spices and herbs. They also help to boost the economy of resource-poor communities by providing income and livelihood opportunities.In addition to providing food, health, and economic benefits, gardens at home also serve as a place of refuge and natural source of wildlife. They also help to increase biodiversity and provide ecological benefits, such as soil erosion control, water conservation, and nutrient recycling. Gardens at home are a great way to teach youngsters and young people about the importance of conserving the environment and sustainable. Home gardens are also a great place to unwind and spend time with friends and family. More research is required however, to understand the impact of backyard gardens on the development of local food systems and promoting resilience in post-crisis situations.2. Know Your SpaceGardening at home is complex and often look like agriculture-based production systems that support biodiversity conservation. They can also include wild species, landraces, and cultivars with specific desirable traits which makes them ideal sites for in situ preservation of genetic diversity and natural resources.The garden in your home can be beneficial for the environment and can also help to reduce household expenses. It also provides fresh vegetables, herbs, fruits and even flowers for cooking. They can also be used to relieve stress and create stunning landscapes that are ideal for romance and peace. They also can improve the quality of the air in your home as they circulate oxygen to purify it.Another benefit is that they boost the value of your property. A well-maintained garden can increase your home's curb appeal and can attract potential buyers if you decide to sell it. In addition to the aesthetic advantages, they also act as a peaceful and serene space to unwind in after a long day. You can set the table in your backyard or on your balcony to enjoy a romantic meal with your partner. Plants, vines and climbers can make your home more inviting.3. Know Your ToolsMany of the tools accessible to gardeners at home have a specific purpose. Having the appropriate tools can make gardening more efficient, productive and enjoyable. If you use the wrong tool, however, can cause frustration and even injury.A good set of basic gardening tools is vital for every home gardener. They include trowels, garden forks pruning shears, a trowel, and a watering container. These items are all readily available at your local hardware store or garden center.More specialized equipment may also be needed, depending on the size of your garden and the types of plants you're planting. If you're planning to dig large holes spades are essential. A tape measure is a useful tool to have in the garden. It is not a good idea to use a tape measure to determine lengths because it can be inefficient and waste materials. A pair of kneepads can aid in preventing soreness and pain when you spend a lot of time in the garden. (via The Advancing Alternatives) This is especially crucial for those suffering from arthritis, back problems or other physical ailments. These easy steps can help the home gardener avoid discomfort and create enjoyable for everyone involved.4. Know Your Plants ' NeedsThe more you know about your plants, the more you will be able to take better take care of them. Knowing what each plant needs, such as sunlight, water or fertilizer, can help you keep them healthy and happy. Knowing the soil's conditions and climate will also help you choose the best plants. For instance, if reside in an area that is characterized by dry air, you might be thinking about adding humidifiers to the rooms in which your plants are. Also, if you have soil that is sandy it is possible to amend it with organic compost to improve the structure of your soil.Many studies show the positive effects that home gardens have towards food security and nutrition. They are continuous small-scale agricultural systems, which are cultivated by households to supplement their daily food requirements. These gardens also provide income and a source of livelihood for families with a limited budget. They also provide many ecosystem services, like soil conservation and climate change mitigation.Gardening at home is a tried-and-true strategy that has allowed families to build robust food systems during times of crisis. In Tajikistan during the post-Soviet period when families were faced with economic hardships and recurring food shortages, they relied on the gardens at home to help reduce malnutrition and diversify their diets.In addition, taking care of and growing plants can improve your mental health. People who spend time in the natural environment and interact with plants experience an improvement in stress and anxiety. This is because of the positive feelings that gardening generates, as well the physical effort involved in cultivating and maintaining the garden.5. Know the needs of your plantsAs you get to know your garden and the plants within it, you'll be able to understand the amount of sunlight and water each one needs to flourish. For raised garden beds , philodendrons and other tropical houseplants require a great deal of water. Plants that grow in desert environments, like succulents and cacti do best when the soil is allowed to dry between waterings. Understanding the unique nutrient needs of each plant will help you avoid drowning and overwatering.According to research on backyard gardens, they can offer multiple environmental and social benefits to the community who participates in them [22. They are typically an important source of food and income source for families that are resource-poor and a way to increase the nutritional quality of a household, as well as resilience and resiliency in the face of global food crises. Home gardening facilitates the transmission of indigenous plants, animal species, farming techniques and production methods to future generations.Furthermore, the social dimension of home gardens is characterized by the importance of women in their maintenance and development. A number of studies have shown that gardening can improve health and mental well-being for women, and also contributes to their empowerment and involvement in the community. The exercise has numerous benefits directly, but it also promotes an optimistic outlook by overcoming the challenges of sustaining greenery.In the post-Soviet era of Tajikistan for instance, many families suffered from food insecurity and war and relied heavily on their home gardens to help supplement their diets and reduce the effects of poverty. Gardening at home can provide nutrition and food security to families in times of crisis or instability. It can also be a source of income in these circumstances.