Beginner's Guide to GardeningGardening can be a daunting task for those who are new to gardening. It is recommended to start small and then work your way up.Consider growing vegetables that are easy to grow, such as peas, beans and radishes. Walk around the garden each morning particularly when the watering system is on. This will help you catch problems early on in the beginning, when they're small and easy to fix.Choose Your Plants Be careful when selecting your plantsFor a novice gardener, it is crucial to choose plants that grow easily and require minimal maintenance. This means avoid plants from tropical regions that are not likely to survive in your climate and choosing plants, vegetables or flowers that are thriving in your area. If you live in an area which is sunny and warm, you can grow easy-to-grow herbs or vegetables such as peppers. If you have a shaded area in your yard it is possible to plant flowering ground covers such as thyme, lilyturf or meadow rue to fill the space.You can also plant flowers and herbs that attract butterflies and hummingbirds to your yard for added enjoyment. It is essential to think about the amount of time you have to spend in your garden before selecting plants. Some plants require more attention than others, and a few need to be pruned or weeded on a regular basis.One of the biggest mistakes novices make is planting too much. It is better to begin with a small garden and work your way up than trying to take on too much at one time. If you decide to start an herb garden, make sure to only grow the vegetables that you and your family will eat. It's also a good idea to stay clear of growing vegetables that are difficult to grow, such as corn or squash.Know Your Soil TypeIt is crucial to consider the plants that will thrive in your soil prior to you start a garden. Certain plants require certain conditions such as moist and rich soils, while others prefer clay-based or sand soils.The kind of soil that you have in your yard will determine the amount of fruits and vegetables you can cultivate. To learn what garden plants of soil you have, do the "finger test." The first step is to dampen the dirt and rub it between your fingers. Clay soil is sticky and covers the tips of your fingers in an oily layer. Sandy soil is composed of coarse particles that crumble easily. Silty soil is characterized by a powder-like texture, and peaty soil feels spongy.Loamy soil is the ideal mixture of silt and sand. This kind of soil is ideal for gardening, lawns and even shrubs. It is rich in nutrients and retains moisture. It is able to warm quickly in spring and summer and is easy to cultivate. It is also acidic. If your soil is not loamy and has organic matter, adding it can improve its characteristics.Don't forget to think about water!Be aware that your plants require regular watering, regardless of whether you are growing vegetables, or flowers. It may seem like a lot for new gardeners who are not used to it but it's vital for the well-being of your plants.Set up your garden close to a water source. This will keep you from having to walk long distances to get the hose, or carry buckets of water. Also make sure to water your garden every week (depending on the weather conditions). If you do, be sure you soak the soil instead of just watering it - the objective is to moisten the soil so that there is always plenty of water available.Select crops that are simple for beginners to grow when making plans for a garden. Peas and radishes for instance, are easy to grow and produce delicious meals. Sunflowers, Nigella, and pansies are low-maintenance and easy flowers. You should avoid more complex flowering plants such as roses and lilies until after you've gained some experience. Be garden plants whether the plants you pick are compatible with your climate zone. This information can be found on the label of the plant or in your gardening guide.Don't forget about mulchingWhen gardeners think of mulch, they picture wheelbarrows, shovels and dust-covered arms. But a good layer of mulch that is well-placed can be one of the most beneficial things you could do for your plants, flowers or fruit trees.A good mulch suppresses weeds and keeps the soil moist. Organic matter is added to the soil, which improves its health over time. It helps to hold soils made of sand together, and break up clay soils. It's a great habitat for beneficial insects and it makes the landscape more stunning.Additionally, a layer of well-placed mulch regulates the temperature of the soil and makes it cooler during hot summer days and warmer on chilly autumn and spring evenings. This is beneficial for plants, as it lets them absorb water more easily. raised garden beds be sprayed too thickly around young seedlings or plants that trail, like strawberries and thyme (remember to pull out the roots of dandelion prior to applying mulch). The ideal thickness is two to three inches for smaller plants and three to four inches for shrubs and trees. The most commonly used organic materials are hay or straw wood chips, shredded bark, shredded leaves, grass clippings and compost.Don't Forget About FertilizingGardening isn't easy for anyone regardless of the level. It's important that you respect the requirements of your plants and fertilizing is one of the tasks. It may seem daunting to new gardeners, but it is very simple and absolutely necessary!Fertilizing isn't just about providing your plants with nutrients, but it's also about timing. It is recommended to fertilize during the growing period that is from spring to the autumn.Use organic or sustainable fertilizers. There are some great options out there, and you can find them in a variety of local garden stores, or even online retailers.Don't forget that there are vegetables that are much easier for novice gardeners to cultivate than others. Things like radishes and peas are simple to grow and don't need any kind of support (just bamboo canes). If you're looking for something bit more complex, you can try strawberries, blueberries, or tomatoes. They all require a little support however they're not difficult for beginners to cultivate. Remember that they'll need regular watering, weeding and lots of work.Don't forget about pest control!A healthy garden attracts beneficial insects that eat plants and protect them from pests. This symbiotic relationship is more effective than spraying chemicals which harm both beneficial bugs as well as the negative ones.New gardeners are often so enthusiastic about their plants they plant them without taking into account their individual requirements. This can result in overcrowding, incompatibility and an eventual lack of success. Monitor the sun's rays in the summer, spring, and fall to see the amount of sunlight your plants are receiving. If you observe that a plant is not flourish then move it to a place where it gets more sunlight.Regular weeding will also help. They steal nutrients, water and light from the plants that you want to grow, so make sure you are weeding regularly. Also, if you apply fertilizer, be cautious- overdoing it can damage the soil's microorganisms, and eliminate beneficial insects that reside in the soil. The best fertilizer is organic, slow-release, and not extremely concentrated. Rototilling can be harmful to the soil's microorganisms. Rather than rototilling, go for "no-dig" gardening techniques which will safeguard the earthworms and other beneficial organisms that enrich your soil.Don't forget about AnimalsIt's a lot of work to learn about gardening however it can be quite enjoyable. When you have a small area of garden, it's an absolute pleasure to stroll through the garden every day and check out what's growing. Tiny tomatoes are popping up everywhere, pollinators are buzzing around the squash blossoms and hummingbirds are flitting between the bean plants. It's great to see something edible grow out of your hands.Gardening for beginners is easy once you understand the ground rules: locate an area that is sunny, amend the soil with high-quality organic material and plant seeds or seedlings, and water frequently. Many vegetables and herbs are easy to cultivate from seeds and even the most difficult plants--like blueberries--can be grown in pots provided you follow the directions on their packaging.A wildlife habitat, like a pond or log stack is also a good idea. If you're having problems with unwanted animals, keep food and garbage away from their reach (raccoons are particularly adept at raiding rubbish bins) and trim dead fruit or flowers as early as you can. It is a good idea to trim herbaceous plants like lavender or thyme after they have finished blooming, which usually occurs in the late summer or early fall. Also, select native plants native animals will recognize as food sources.