Starting a GardenGrowing your own fruits, vegetables and herbs can provide many benefits. Produce grown at home tastes superior to what you can buy in shops and gardening can provide a good workout and mental relaxation.Test garden grow before digging to determine what it requires. You can purchase a DIY kit to test the pH and nutrients of your soil.PreparationGardening can be rewarding, but it is also time-consuming. The amount of time required can be as little as just a few minutes per day to a full-time commitment, depending on the size and scope of your garden. You will first need to decide where you would like to put your garden and what you plan to plant. It can be as easy as sketching out an outline on the ground or as intricate as constructing the entire layout of your garden particularly if you are planning to cultivate food. You'll also have to determine how much effort you are willing to put into your gardening. If you're not ready to commit to regular maintenance, you can stick with low-maintenance flowers and vegetables like herbs.If small garden starting with an herb garden, be sure to watch your garden throughout the course of the day to make sure it gets enough sun. Most vegetables require six hours of direct sunlight each day to produce fruit. If you live in a very hot area, consider growing your veggies in the morning or in the afternoon to keep them from burning.Make sure your garden is prepared by removing any weeds and debris, loosening the soil to an average depth of 8 inches and mixing with compost. This will give your plants the nutrition they require to grow strong and healthy.Vegetables are very sensitive to the type and quality of soil. Your soil should be nutrient-rich, with lots of organic matter and a nice texture. The soil test you take through the county extension office will inform exactly what your soil requires.It is best to plant perennials and vegetables in the spring, as soon as the soil is sufficiently warmed and there is no risk of frost. Some flowers and vegetables can be planted in the fall or winter so long as it's warm. It is essential to regularly water your plants once they are in the soil. The soaker or drip hose will allow you to limit the amount of water you use and prevent root growth that is swollen by water.PlantingIf you're looking to plant flowers that smell good or cook delicious vegetables, getting your hands dirty can be one of the most satisfying experiences. Before you can become Johnny Appleseed, develop a garden vision that is based on the space you have and your experience. This will allow you to reduce the project into manageable steps that make sense for your situation.The most important factor to success in any garden is healthy soil. Healthy soil is full of organic matter, and contains billions of bacteria, fungi and other microbes that help plants absorb nutrients and resist disease. The majority of fruits, vegetables and flowers require a deep well-drained soil. Dig a hole as deep and wide as the root ball of the plant you want to plant. Add compost, well rotted manure, or any other organic material to the bottom of the hole. This will improve the soil's condition and provide your plants with a great start.When planting your vegetable garden, follow the instructions on the seed packet or in the nursery container. If you're sowing seeds directly into the ground place them six to eight weeks before the last expected frost date for your region. If you are starting with seedlings in a nursery container carefully remove the seedlings out of the container and plant them according to the instructions.Vegetables require a consistent watering schedule to encourage proper growth. If you live in a dry area make use of a drip irrigation system or sprinklers to keep the soil moist. Mulch can reduce the amount of time you spend watering by retaining moisture and preventing the growth of weeds.Depending on the growing zone the area you live in, you may select annuals that need to be replanted every spring or perennials that can be planted year after year. If you're planting an edible garden, select the vegetables your family will enjoy eating and that will develop quickly.Consider designing your garden as beds rather than rows to cut down on the need to weed. Beds allow you to weed them easier, as you can walk through them without compacting soil. Additionally, you can add organic material to each bed to prevent having to work the entire garden at the same time.CareIf you are growing your own flowers, vegetables or herbs, or fruit trees, it is important to keep them healthy by caring for them regularly. This includes watering, weeding, deadheading and feeding. Also, you should be on the lookout for signs of pests and diseases. If you see any signs of these, remove the affected plant or vegetable and wash any equipment that came in contact with it.When it is time to water, you want to water your garden frequently enough to keep the soil moist but not so much that your roots are getting waterlogged. To help with this it's a good idea to add a drip irrigation system, or even a smart timer that will turn the water off and on for you. This is a particularly good idea if you're growing vegetables, since they need a lot of water in order to thrive.You'll need to get rid of your garden. A rake or hoe is a great tool for this. This will help you remove any weeds that may be growing before they take over your plants. You can also put in compost or mulch to your garden to help reduce weed growth.It is also important to consider the location. Many fruits and vegetables require full sun in order to thrive, so make sure you have a spot that receives at minimum five hours of direct sunshine per day. You can also grow some root vegetables or greens in partial shade. However these plants might not be as large and may take longer to mature.It is crucial to walk around your garden every day and to check on your plants on a regular basis. This will allow you to stay informed about the happenings in your garden, and also to track any changes. It's also rewarding to see how your hard work has paid off. One of the most enjoyable aspects of gardening is watching your tiny tomato blossoms or hummingbirds visiting your squash blossoms.HarvestingA garden is a rewarding activity, whether you grow delicious vegetables or beautiful flowers. But, it requires dedication. It requires time to prepare the soil, plant seeds or transplants, tend the plants as they develop, and then harvest. small garden takes time to perform the routine tasks like watering, weeding, and the control of pests. If you don't have the time to a garden, consider buying fresh produce from the grocery store or planting low-maintenance items like herbs.It is important to choose the right location for your garden. Most vegetables, fruits and plants require full sun; the more sunlight they get, the better. Make sure to verify your zone of hardiness -- which is the measure of how cold or warm your climate is -- to see what grows best in your area.Good garden soil of high-quality is essential. Most plants thrive in soil that is rich in nutrients deep and well-drained. The best way to ensure the health of your soil is to work it over several years. The soil should be granular or crumbly which allows roots to penetrate easily and hold in moisture. You can test the soil water content by pressing a finger about an inch (or one knuckle) into it. If the soil is dry, you need to water it. If it's wet, it will get compacted and won't be able to support roots.To prevent overgrowth, continue to complete regular tasks such as weeding or watering your garden. Mulch can help conserve moisture and decrease the amount of weeds. Be careful when using herbicides and pesticides, though -- even organic, natural products can kill or damage beneficial bugs and bacteria in the garden.Secure your plants by fencing them or using nets. As the plant grows remove any dead or diseased leaves and fertilize as needed. The control of insect pests and diseases in your vegetables can be accomplished by spraying them with a natural product or buying a product from a garden center. When you harvest, be sure to pick the veggies and herbs quickly to ensure they remain at their peak.