Gardening is rated as the number one hobby of the nation - and why not? No matter what time of the year, gardening makes you spend quality time outdoors in the fresh air. An imaginatively landscaped garden lends different colors in different seasons, a sure balm for sore eyes. For first time gardeners, here are some tips, which can kick-start this very fulfilling activity.

Good Planning: Initially start with a size you can manage. This way you will learn the basics of watering, pest control, soil nutrition and weed control without getting weighed down with work. Design your landscape on paper and be sure you decide which plant you want in which area. Do not overcrowd the garden as it can get unruly when the plants reach maturity. Keep enough space between them, so that they do not grow into each other.

Invest in good tools: Consult a nursery about the tools required. The minimum tools you will need are a spading fork, a hoe, watering can, a good bow rake, a round ended shovel, sprinkler and shears.

Check your soil: Before planting check the soil, for its type and pH. This way you will know what type of fertilizing that will be involved. It is imperative that the soil is dry when you start work. If the soil crumbles, when it is squeezed it means that the soil is ready to be worked on. Till the soil to a depth of six inches. A rototiller saves the manual work, but using a spade would be just right for a small space. Unlike a rototiller, it avoids the soil getting overworked.

Fertilizing: Gardening means you will generate a lot of plant waste such as dried leaves and trimmings. By creating a compost pit in an obscure corner of your property (not in the garden), you can compost garden waste and when it is ready, it can be used as a very good source of external additive. Organic fertilizers are preferred over synthetic fertilizers as they are friendly to soil organisms which are very important for the health of the soil.

Watering: Water is a precious natural and national resource and it has to be used with care. Watering in the morning is the best time to water as the temperatures are mild. Watering after six p.m. needs to be avoided, especially in case of lawns, as the water remains on the soil overnight and can cause fungal infections.

Mulch: The use of mulch is useful in both agriculture and gardening. Basically, mulch is a protective cover placed on the soil. It checks growth of weeds, maintains soil moisture, adjusts soil temperature according to the season and keeps insects at bay. There are many types of mulch, but using organic mulch is useful and is also environment friendly.

Choice of Plants: For beginners at gardening, it is better that the choice of plants is native. Native plants are species that exist in the area where they have evolved. These plants are well adapted to local environment conditions and have several advantages over alien species, as they grow effortlessly. They are hardier and more resistant to pests and diseases. Native plants also maintain or improve soil fertility, and reduce erosion. Often they require less fertilizer, pesticides and also need less watering than alien species.

Lower maintenance time: All the above tips will help you reduce your working time in your garden and more time can be spent enjoying your new garden. It is also recommended that fertilizing and pruning is done only when it is necessary. Overdoing these activities renders the plant tender, which makes it a happy breeding ground of bugs.

With a little patience, hard work and by following the above tips, you can spend hours of leisure in your garden.

If you like Gardening....These pages might also interest you:

Allium Directory, Amaryllis Directory, Begonia Directory, Crocus Directory, Daffodils Directory, Dahlia Directory, Hyacinth Directory, Iris Directory, Lily Directory, Tulip Directory

Also see:

A Love Affair With Gardening, Charming Camillias, Firescaping, Gardening for the Family, Garden Rodents, Garden Catalogs, General Gardening Tips. Gardens in the Shade, Hot Summer Cool Garden, How to Plant Leeks, Involve Your Children, Outfits for Gardening, Photograph Your Garden, Plant Care Basics, Using Leaves as Compost, What to Avoid Buying Guide, Cheap Garden Ideas, Creating Garden Berms, Garden Fragrances, Garden Lessons, Gardening for The Challenged, Gardening is Great, Gardening Math, Gardening Tools, How to Use Peat, More About Gardening, Love affair with Lilacs, Organic Gardening, Slow Down and Enjoy, Smart Plant Shopping, Tips for Beginners