Soil
The condition and type of your garden soil is important for successful gardening. Soil must be able to provide nutrients, water and oxygen to the plant roots. An important component of soil is humus (broken down organic matter) which can be added to your soil in the form of compost. Ensure good drainage in the garden to prevent constant wet soil.
Nutrients
There are about a dozen elements essential for plant growth. As a gardener you can supplement these nutrients with fertilizers. Plants grow best when there is a combination of fertilizers and organic matter.
Watering
The most important aspect of plant survival is the supply of water. How much watering is needed depends on the soil type, the time of year, wind and the type of plant. Mulching (soil covering) is a good way to keep the soil moist.
Over-watering often is the cause of plant failure – if the plant is not actively growing, then reduce the watering.
Garden Maintenance
Annual weeds can largely be eliminated if they are prevented from flowering and forming seed. They are controlled by hoeing, hand-forking and digging. A basic set of tools is necessary for your gardening chores. Chemical weed control is much easier, although it may take a few weeks to be fully effective. Rather than use chemicals, low-growing weeds can be covered with mulch.
Pruning
Certain plants need to be cut back regularly otherwise light is shaded out and plants become elongated and diseased. Branches break off and shrubs die back and if unattended will make the garden unattractive. There is no need for pruning to be hard work. Keep on top of it and use the correct type of pruning tool.
Propagation
Most plants are available from garden centers or from mail order catalogues. However, raising your own plants from seeds or cuttings is easy and can be very rewarding. Types of propagation methods are seed, division, cuttings and layering.
Pests and Diseases
It is important to observe the normal, healthy appearance of your plants so that problems caused by pests or diseases can be detected quickly. Garden pests are generally insects – bugs, aphids, beetles, thrips or caterpillars – but also include snails, slugs and mites. Most plant diseases are caused by fungi, which may be carried in seed, soil, weeds or other plants.
Health and Safety
When working in your garden there are a few things that you need to be aware of so that your health and safety are
The condition and type of your garden soil is important for successful gardening. Soil must be able to provide nutrients, water and oxygen to the plant roots. An important component of soil is humus (broken down organic matter) which can be added to your soil in the form of compost. Ensure good drainage in the garden to prevent constant wet soil.
Nutrients
There are about a dozen elements essential for plant growth. As a gardener you can supplement these nutrients with fertilizers. Plants grow best when there is a combination of fertilizers and organic matter.
Watering
The most important aspect of plant survival is the supply of water. How much watering is needed depends on the soil type, the time of year, wind and the type of plant. Mulching (soil covering) is a good way to keep the soil moist.
Over-
Garden Maintenance
Annual weeds can largely be eliminated if they are prevented from flowering and forming seed. They are controlled by hoeing, hand-
Pruning
Certain plants need to be cut back regularly otherwise light is shaded out and plants become elongated and diseased. Branches break off and shrubs die back and if unattended will make the garden unattractive. There is no need for pruning to be hard work. Keep on top of it and use the correct type of pruning tool.
Propagation
Most plants are available from garden centers or from mail order catalogues. However, raising your own plants from seeds or cuttings is easy and can be very rewarding. Types of propagation methods are seed, division, cuttings and layering.
Pests and Diseases
It is important to observe the normal, healthy appearance of your plants so that problems caused by pests or diseases can be detected quickly. Garden pests are generally insects – bugs, aphids, beetles, thrips or caterpillars – but also include snails, slugs and mites. Most plant diseases are caused by fungi, which may be carried in seed, soil, weeds or other plants.
Health and Safety
When working in your garden there are a few things that you need to be aware of so that your health and safety are
