If you don’t have much experience with gardening, but have been wanting to dig in and learn more, one simple way would be to get your hands on Ellen Zachos’s new book, Down & Dirty, which contains basic step-by-step instructions on how to complete several wonderful and practical beginner gardening projects.
The book is filled with easy inspiring garden activities, complete with detailed instructions and helpful photos, that will suit everyone in the family, whether you’re looking to create a sunny window box, a dinosaur garden for children, or just discover basic techniques that will help you produce a fabulous garden.
In a recent interview with the author, Ellen answered some common questions and provided tips for those just starting out in gardening.
Are there Good Reasons to Garden?
There are many reasons why gardening is a great idea. It can be a fun family activity, keep you active and healthy, produce beautiful plants and foods that save you money, while offering a source of relaxing therapy where you can get outside and commune with nature, get your hands dirty, breathe in fresh air, and take a well-deserved break from life’s more stressful activities. An established garden can also beautify and enhance the value of your home.
What if You Have Limited Space?
Don’t let the lack of a yard be a hindrance to gardening. A garden can be created just about anywhere nowadays regardless if you live in a big city, in a condo, or have very little space around your home. Gardens can be planted in many different types of containers and placed on a patio, balcony, deck, porch stoop, on rooftops, or grown in a window box. Also, with community gardens becoming more popular, if you need more space, explore around your neighborhood to see if you can obtain a small piece of earth and enjoy gardening with others while reaping the rewards.
How Are Container Gardens Different?
Plants in containers will need more frequent watering than those planted in the ground, although the mobility of containers is a plus
and they will help enhance the look of a barren area. Also, gardening in just a few containers, such as pots or decorative garden trolleys, is less overwhelming for a new gardener than caring for a large-scale garden.
What Is the Most Difficult Challenge For a Beginning Gardener?
The amount and type of lighting is often misunderstood by gardeners just starting out. For example, they frequently do not realize that a plant that requires full sun should receive only about 8 hours a day, and many don’t know the difference between direct and indirect light. Being successful in your gardening endeavors makes it all the more enjoyable and productive, so it is critical that you do a little research to select the right plants that will thrive under the lighting, moisture, and soil conditions available.
Do You Have Any Gardening Tips to Save Time?
Instead of hand-watering, which can be tedious and time consuming, a drip irrigation system is recommended, which also conserves water. It is relatively easy to set up, you can create it yourself, or obtain a basic kit at the hardware store.
Anyone Can Garden
Don’t let gardening intimidate you. It is simple to do once you get the hang of it and within anyone’s grasp, including children. You just need a few basic ingredients and the right tools, and you will soon be enjoying the fruits of your labor such as harvesting delicious herbs and vegetables and arranging your own fresh-picked flower bouquets.