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What It Takes to Build a Garden

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Garden is that magical place by your house that you like to enjoy looking at and spending time taking care of the plants. Many studies have shown that gardening is beneficial for mental and physical health, and is also one of the advisable family activities. However, an essential part of building a garden is planning and knowing what to do exactly to make it a successful project. 

Therefore, we have prepared a list of things you have to do in order to create this heavenly spot in your yard. 

1. Start with planning 

You probably already have an idea what kind of garden you want to have, but there are several things to plan for before you start planting. First, if you are a novice at gardening choose the plants that are easy to grow and afterward switch to more demanding ones. Ask gardeners you know about the best fertilizers and natural pest repellents to minimize the exposure to toxic chemicals. 

If you like challenges, try to grow one or two demanding species but don’t make it your priority so you wouldn’t neglect the other plants. Also, the best way to start is to make your first garden small and modest just to get hang of your responsibilities. Use a calendar to better follow the dates when you started planting and the progress of your plants.

2. Choose the spot It matters where you create your garden. 

It's normal to start with plants you want to grow, but then you have to find a perfect spot for them to successfully develop. Plants need the sun to grow, but direct sunlight may be damaging to them so you need to find a shaded spot. Tomatoes, for example, need the sun to grow ripe and tasty like we know them, but certain flower plants like more moderate conditions. 

If you don't have trees or any shade in your yard, consider either creating an artificial one or growing the plants that only enjoy the abundant sunlight. Choose the spot that is less exposed to the sunlight or is in the houses shade during one part of the day. That way you will not only protect your plants from burning up but also the soil from drying out and damaging the roots.    

3. Use the right tools 

The key to gardening is having the right tools to do it. You will need a hoe, shovel, and rakes to work on the soil, as well as gloves and a hat to protect yourself. If you plan to grow vegetables and fruits, especially berries, you will have to assess which ones need support. This means that wires, wooden sticks, and anti-hail protection are going to be necessary to protect them and help them grow. 

After everything is planted, you will need tools to take care of your garden and make sure that it’s healthy. Buy a water hose or oscillating sprinkler system to make sure that your plants are hydrated at all times and don’t wither and die. Also, use sprayers for anti-pest control and place fences if you have dogs to stop them from digging in your garden.

4. Get your hands dirty 

Gardening is a dirty job and doesn't believe otherwise. You will have to kneel down in the dirt, do a lot of digging and weeding while all sorts of insects come your way. It's not a job for the squeamish, although you will quickly get used to it. Wearing glows is important in order to preserve your hands from scratches and anything going under your nails.

However, some plants may produce toxic chemicals that can cause allergies and rashes so you would want to avoid that as well. In time, you will get used to doing certain chores without the gloves, like removing the buds to help the flowers grow more, or picking fruits and vegetables. Use clothes that will be only for gardening so you would make it your small ritual every time you go to tend your amazing garden. 

5. Keep it alive 

Your garden is going to need your attention, and although it’s not a 24/7 job, you will have to examine it daily. You need to monitor the weather conditions and pay attention to the number of sunny days ahead in order to provide enough irrigation to your garden. 

Invite butterflies and bees into your garden by planting wildflowers since they are natural pollinators and will only make it more rich and beautiful. Make your own compost and fertilizers, as well as insect repellent to minimize the damage to the plants, to yourself and the environment. Pick the fruits the moment they are ripe so others can continue to grow.    

In the end 

There are many benefits of gardening and even if you have just a few potted plants on your balcony it can have positive effects on you. Seeding, carrying and then observing the fruits of your labor are rewarding stages of gardening that will give a satisfying result. So, don't doubt yourself and build your garden step by step. It will be well worth it, we promise.

Tulips

Tulips

Fresh green plant

Fresh green plant

Flowers

Flowers