Health Benefits of GardeningGardening is an activity that can provide surprising health benefits. If you're digging, weeding or watering, gardening is good exercise that can improve your heart health and immune system.For beginners it is best to start small. A large garden can overwhelm newcomers, and overly intensive gardening can stress plants.SoilSoil is a remarkable natural resource that supports a wide range of organisms. It is high in minerals and stores water in a manner that is beneficial for plants. It helps regulate temperature, and also provides a home to microorganisms that help keep the garden healthy.Soil is made up of mineral particles (organic matter) dead and living organisms water and air. They are eco-systems in their own right and are among the most dynamic resources we have.As wind, water and temperature fluctuations break down rocks into smaller pieces, the mineral part of soil is formed. These tiny particles are then mixed with organic material from animal and plant remains as they decay or decay. This results in a mixture of clay, silt and sand, which form the soil.You must select a garden area that is characterized by these three components, drains well and is easily accessible to water. If the location you select has poor drainage and is not able to drain well, you can add sand or other materials to improve the drainage. If the soil is rich in organic matter You can amend it by adding humus or other varieties of compost to make it better for gardening.The addition of organic matter to the soil is one of the most important things you can do to your garden. Using the Back to Eden method, gardeners put cardboard or newspaper as the first layer and then add several inches of compost on top of that. The organic matter is a habitat for microorganisms, which will eventually transform other elements of the soil into a suitable medium for planting. The fungi and bacteria in the soil can aid in promoting healthy growth in your plants by assisting them get the nutrients they need.PlantsPlants are a source of food and fiber. They also provide visual appeal in gardens as well as forests, and they make a beautiful world. The study of plants and their natural habitat is known as botany, whereas the cultivation and care of garden s is known as horticulture.Plants need nutrients to thrive and stay healthy, just like humans. A gardener's job is to supply these nutrients in a balanced way. These nutrients can influence the plant's health, growth appearance, and taste.Some gardeners cultivate plants to increase their medicinal properties, while others plant flowers, trees and plants to meet aesthetic goals. Beautifully-shaped flowers and trees can be attractive provide shade, alter temperatures, block noise or wind, provide privacy, and stop soil erosion. Shrubs, like boxwoods or hollyhocks are usually used as natural fences or act as a backdrop for gardens.People who love working in gardens or viewing beautifully landscaped areas feel better and appreciate nature more. Studies have also shown that children who participate in gardening programs are more likely to make healthier choices in their food and consume more vegetables and seniors who participate in horticulture activities enjoy 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 weeds as undesirable plants that compete for sunlight and water as well as nutrients with their vegetables or floral crops. While weeds can be not only competitive, they can be beneficial to the ecosystem. They improve the soil, attract beneficial insects, repel pests, and provide food and medicinal benefits.They are indicators of soil conditions. Large patches of a single weed may be a sign of the presence of a problem. For instance, dandelion and burdock are weeds that have deep taproots that break up the soil and cause sourness or compacted. Peppergrass (Lepidium Verginicum) On the other hand thrives in acidic, soggy soil. Low fertility is evident in the presence of weeds. It is difficult to manage perennial weeds with creeping roots, like yellow nutsedge and common bermudagrass by a continual cultivation. Each piece of underground plant material that is chopped or raked up can develop roots and grow into a different plant.Some exotic weeds can spread rapidly from one single stem or root. They often are found along fence lines, in gravel or under trees, creating dense green mat that is difficult to pull out of the ground. To prevent knotweed, apply an extensive layer of mulch, spot-treating or hand-pulling is a good idea.Certain garden weeds possess medicinal properties, for example, the stinging nettle. The leaves are a great source of vitamins A, B2, C and K and minerals such as calcium, potassium, iodine and zinc, magnesium, iron and chlorophyll. Elderberry (Sambucus Canadensis) are berries that are used to replace coffee. The roots are also said to reduce joint pain and inflammation. The sweet flowers of periwinkle (Viola cornuta) attract beneficial insects, and the seeds are used in herbal medicine.PestsMany gardeners use pesticides however there are alternatives to chemical pesticides. The best way to keep away from pests is through good soil amendments and cultivation. Make sure to check the underside of leaves every week at a minimum to catch pests early. Mulchs can also be used to keep soil moisture in check and control weeds.In the fruit and vegetable garden, be on the lookout for Aphids. These teensy pear-shaped bugs suck the sap of plants, causing fungal infections that can damage leaves and stems. Aphids can be identified through sticky honeydew that is visible on the undersides of leaves.To control aphids, aphid-eating predatory insects like ladybugs, lacewings and mantises can be bought from the horticultural supply firms. Ground beetles and syrphid flies as well as parasitic wasps are also prey to aphids.If you already have an outdoor garden and want to create an environment that attracts bugs that are predatory can help reduce the number of pests. You can help by growing plants and flowers that offer attractive nectar or pollen to these natural enemies.There are also non-toxic options to deal with pests for instance, nematodes that kill vine weevil larvae as well as fungi that destroy plants with diseased tissue. However the use of these biological control methods requires patience, as you'll need to give time for them to work.Pick the most secure pesticides if you must. There are a variety of organic sprays that may irritate the lungs and skin of pests, but also being harmless to human skin and the environment. Garlic, hot pepper, and onion sprays are a few of the most popular. Some sprays contain bacteria viruses, or fungi that cause the death of pests and infect them. Always check the label on any sprays you use to ensure they are safe for your garden.WaterGardening has a long history of experimentation, and has been a source of discovery for centuries. New varieties of vegetables, flowers and other plants are continuously emerging through selective cross-breeding by breeders of plants. This makes gardening safer than in the past, and gardens are also more resilient to pests, weather, and other environmental hazards.Gardens are often a venue for the expression of social or political opinions, whether intentionally or not. For example some gardeners might plant only native plants in their yards to promote an ecological ethic. Others may decide to create an area that reflects their heritage and culture. Gardening can be a great way to exercise and can help you get healthier. A study by Be Independent HomeCare found that gardening is a great source of cardiovascular exercise and can lower blood pressure. This is because gardening requires manual labor that strengthens your heart.It is essential to water your garden regularly and thoroughly. Most experts recommend soaking soil deeply, which means at least eight inches beneath the surface. This is the most effective method of watering because surface soil tends evaporate quickly. The water can get to the roots through soaking.It is also recommended to use water that is low in sodium. A high sodium level can harm plants, particularly those with fine-textured soils. Squeezing soil between your forefingers and thumbs will reveal the sodium content of the water you use for gardening . If the soil appears damp and has a smooth, soft feel, it is okay to use, but if it is sticky and sticks to your hands or spills out when squeezed you need to change the type of water you are using.