When you were a kid, there was nothing better than running around outside, with the wind in your hair and the earth under your bare feet. Now that you've grown, you might be surprised to find that the feeling is exactly the same. If you haven't tried gardening, it's time to roll up your sleeves, and pant legs, and get reacquainted with the great outdoors.



If gardening is new for you, it is best to start small. A planter bed of about 20 - 30 square feet would be great, and will help keep about 30 plants in a neat, controllable space. Starting with this size will allow you to wet your green thumb without being overwhelmed by a large project. After your first year, you may realize that you absolutely love gardening, so you can then increase the size of your plot for the next season.

Choosing the site is your next step. Of course, where you live will ultimately determine where your garden will be. Ideally, your garden plot will be situated in an area that receives at least six hours of daylight. Try to stay away from large trees, as their roots can rob your plants of water and nutrients. It's also a good idea to keep your garden at least three feet from any fences or buildings.

In hot climates, try to choose an area that will provide your garden with shade from some of the intense afternoon sun. Healthy gardens can certainly grow with more or less direct sunlight, but you may have to be flexible with the variety of plants that you choose. Finally, a site with good soil is best, although the quality and condition of the soil can always be improved. It's advisable to avoid areas with rocky soil, steep slopes or poor drainage.

Okay, the location is set; now it is time for the fun to start, so let's dig in the dirt! When you really get into gardening, you will realize that it is not a clean hobby, so you will get some dirt under your nails. To begin, remove any grass, weeds, debris, and rocks from your new garden area. Next, use a pitchfork or spade to dig down about a foot deep, and mix minerals or compost in if the soil needs it. If the soil is sandy, add some peat moss, and if it is acidic, add some lime. If you feel it necessary to add fertilizer, use only organic, non-toxic fertilizers.

Now that your garden bed is ready, it is time for the big planting. You'll have to choose between starting from seeds or from small plants. Starting with plants allows you to visualize the final garden more clearly, perhaps. If you go that route, choose plants with green leaves and stems, and healthy roots. Don't buy plants with very long stalks, or plants with leaves that are yellowed.

When planting, position smaller plants at the front of the bed, and larger ones behind. The key to a successful beginning in gardening is planting at the right time. Make sure that the risk of frost has passed before planting your tender varieties, although some annuals, like pansies and violas, can safely weather the spring frost. If you are planting seeds, read the package for important information about when and how to plant.

To thrive, your plants need regular attention and care from you. Watering is essential for their maintenance. With a small garden, such as on a balcony or a container garden on your patio, watering by hand with a watering can is easy enough. But a larger garden will need a hose to get enough water to the plants each week. Don't water every day, but when you do, make sure the roots are adequately soaked. Don't just sprinkle the surface lightly with a spray nozzle.

It is best to water early in the morning when air temperatures are cool. Watering in the hot afternoon sun is environmentally and financially wasteful as much of the water will evaporate before reaching the root systems. And late afternoon or evening watering can leave moisture on your plants all night long, leading to mildew and diseases. Depending on the types of plants in your garden, you will have to vary how often you water. If the weather is very hot, you might need to water three times per week.

Weeds can be controlled naturally by using compost or mulch. A few inches of organic mulch added to the soil will help with moisture retainment, plant fertility, and will keep roots cooler. Here are some things you can use as mulch: leaves, pine needles, manure, grass clippings, and wood chips.

Now that you are going to get into gardening, no doubt you will wonder what took you so long! You will discover the joy of harvesting your own vegetables and flowers, with the great taste and beauty they bring to your life. And you'll feel like a kid again, with the wind in your face and the soil in your hands.