Health Benefits of GardeningGardening has surprising health benefits. Whether you're digging, weeding or watering, gardening is an exercise program that will improve your heart health as well as your immune system.For beginners it is best to start small. A large garden can overwhelm newcomers and excessive gardening can cause stress to plants.SoilSoil is a remarkable natural resource that provides a wide range of organisms. It is rich in minerals and retains water in a way that is beneficial for plants. It also aids in regulating temperature and is a habitat for microorganisms that help keep the garden healthy.Soils are made up of minerals, dead and living organisms (organic matter) air and water. They are eco-systems in their own right and are among the most dynamic resources we have.When water, wind, and temperature changes break down rocks into smaller particles The mineral component of soil is formed. These tiny particles are then mixed with organic material from plant and animal remains as they decay, or decompose. This results in a mixture of clay silt, and sand which is called soil.You must choose a spot for gardening with these three elements, is well-drained and is easily accessible for watering. If you are looking to improve drainage in the area, you can add sand. If the soil contains lots of organic matter, you may want to add humus or compost to improve its condition for gardening.Addition of organic matter to the soil is crucial for your garden. Gardeners can use the Back to Eden technique to include compost in the soil after laying down newspaper or cardboard. Organic matter creates a home for microorganisms which eventually transform the other elements in the soil into a useful substrate for planting. The fungi, bacteria and other soil organisms will aid in keeping your plants healthy by giving them the nutrients they require.PlantsPlants are a source of food and fiber. They also provide visual appeal in gardens and forests, and create a beautiful environment. The study of plants and their natural habitat is known as botany, and the cultivation and maintenance of garden plants is referred to as horticulture.Just like humans, plants require nutrients to grow and stay healthy. A gardener's job is to provide these nutrients in a balanced manner. These nutrients can affect the plant's growth, appearance, and health, as well as taste.Some gardeners plant plants for their medicinal properties, while others tend to trees, flowers and plants to enhance their appearance. Beautifully-shaped flowers and trees can be attractive they provide shade, alter temperatures, block noise or wind, provide privacy, and help prevent erosion of soil. Shrubs such as boxwoods or hollyhocks can be used as an attractive natural fence or backdrop for your garden.Gardeners who work in the gardens and view beautifully landscaped areas have a sense of well-being and have a greater appreciation for nature. Studies have also shown that children who take part in gardening programs are more likely to make healthier food choices and eat more vegetables, while seniors who engage in horticulture activities experience improved 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 view the weeds as undesirable plants that challenge their crops of flowers or vegetables for water, sunlight and nutrients. Although weeds are not only competitive, they can be beneficial to the ecosystem. They enrich the soil, attract beneficial insect, repel pests, and provide food and medicine.Weeds can indicate soil conditions and the presence of large patches of weed indicating the presence 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 wet, acidic soil; and plantain (Plantago spp.) Low fertility is evident in the presence of weeds. Perennial weeds that grow in creeping root systems, like common bermudagrass and yellow nutsedge are difficult to control by repeated cultivation, since each piece of plant matter that's chopped up or raked off of the soil could grow roots and become an entirely new plant.Certain exotic weeds such as knotweed (Piper nodosum), can spread from a single rooted piece of stem or root. They usually grow along fence lines, in gravel or under trees, creating an extensive mat of green that is difficult to remove of the ground. It is recommended to eliminate knotweed by spreading a thick layer of mulch, then spot treating the area or pulling it out by hand.Some garden weeds, like stinging-nettle (Urtica dioica) has medicinal properties. The leaves are a rich source of vitamins A, B2, C and K and minerals such as calcium potassium, iodine, zinc, magnesium, iron and chlorophyll. The elderberry berries (Sambucus canadensis) are utilized as a substitute for coffee and the roots are believed to ease inflammation, alleviate joint pain and increase circulation. The sweet flowers (Viola cornuta), which are found on periwinkle, attract beneficial insects. The seeds of the plant are utilized in herbal medicine.PestsThere are numerous alternatives to pesticides. The best way to avoid pests is through proper soil amendments and cultivation. Keep a close watch on the plants and examine the leaf's undersides once a week, so that you can spot pest issues early. Additionally, mulches are a great way to help conserve soil moisture and suppress weeds.Aphids are found in the fruit and vegetable gardens . These teensy pear-shaped bugs suck the sap out of plants, encouraging fungal diseases which can harm the stems and leaves. You'll be able to tell if you've got an aphid problem by sticky honeydew on the undersides of leaves and dying plants that are wilted.Horticultural supply companies offer predatory insects that eat Aphids, such as ladybugs. Lacwings and praying mentises can also be effective in removing aphids. Aphids are also consumed by ground beetles and parasitic wasps.If you have an established garden, creating a space that attracts predatory insects will naturally reduce the number of pests that are a problem. You can help by planting flowers and other plants that attract attractive pollen or nectar to these natural enemies.There are alternatives that aren't toxic to deal with pests like nematodes which kill vine weevil larvae and the fungi that kill the plant tissue that is diseased. The biological controls require patience because they take time to work.If you must resort to pesticides, choose the most secure ones. There are many organic sprays that can irritate the skin, lungs, and skin of pests while being safe for the human skin and surrounding environment. Garlic, hot pepper and onion sprays are just a few of the most common. Others contain bacteria, fungi or viruses that kill and infect the pests. Always look over the label of any sprays you use to ensure that they are safe for your garden.WaterGardening is a history of experimentation and has been a source of discovery for centuries. New varieties of vegetables, flowers and other plants are continuously being created through selective cross-breeding breeders. This makes gardening safer than in the past, and gardens are also more resilient to pests, weather, and other environmental hazards.Intentionally or not, homes gardens are often used to express views on social or political issues. Certain gardeners, for instance might only plant native species in their yards in order to encourage an eco-friendly lifestyle. Others might choose to design an area that reflects their heritage and culture. Gardening can be a fantastic way to exercise and can help you get healthier. Be starting a garden conducted a study that showed gardening to be an excellent exercise for your cardiovascular system. It can also reduce your blood pressure. This is due to the fact that gardening requires manual labor that helps strengthen your heart.It is crucial to water your garden properly and regularly. Most experts recommend soaking soil in a deep way, which is at least eight inches below the surface. This is the most efficient method of watering because the soil on the surface tends to evaporate quickly. The water will reach the roots through the soaking.In addition to soaking the soil, you should use water with low sodium levels. A high sodium content could harm plants, particularly those with fine-textured soils. Squeezing soil between your fingers and thumbs will reveal the sodium content in your garden water. If the soil is soft and moist, you can use it. If, however, the soil is spongy or it smears on your palm, you should change the water you're using.