Gardening: natural science, not rocket science

Gardening: natural science, not rocket science.

Don't force yourself to give up the most profitable hobby in the universe because you think it's too difficult to learn ... It isn't!

Gardening is fast becoming the world's number one hobby, and with all the latest 'alternative' information at hand, gardening as a natural science is fun to learn and extremely rewarding ...

• Grow your own fruits and vegetables, eliminate shopping trips.
  
• Keep it organic! Be kind to the planet and your body.
• Stay fit and healthy with exercise and fresh air.
• Spend quality family time outdoors.
• Turbo boost your creative spirit

And if that's not enough to go on, learn about the plant type in all its glory. From trees to mushrooms, there are millions of plants to research, grow and eat - no chance to get bored!

You have to take your first step first.

Start gardening, be a gardener, enjoy your garden.

Starting from scratch? Let your imagination run wild. Stand in the center (-ish) of your garden and imagine ... close your eyes if you want.

Do not spot yourself. Let your creative thoughts flow. How much can you do with your space? Don't imagine for a minute that a simple lawn will set you free here. A lawn needs regular maintenance and mowing, FOREVER ... and it can be a bit boring to look at, too! How about creating

• a butterfly patch
• a corner of wildflowers
• an orchard
• a herb garden
• a water fountain

Then you will need a shed to store your tools. Where would it be better located in your garden? Don't miss out on a sunny spot with a garden structure. Sheds don't need to be in full sun to survive!

Is there enough space to put garden furniture? Instead of going for the table and four chair style on the patio, can you put benches and small tables in shady spots near honeysuckle or around herbs?

When you think you have a reasonable idea of   everything you want from your garden, take a few notes and think about it for a moment. Don't jump in too early, most of the time you will end up doing the same job twice. Browse gardening catalogs, take a little time and do some planning.

But not for much longer! Don't let ideas fade into another file of what he was going to do one day.

If you have enough budget to buy your garden structures and furniture, do this first and put it in your garden. Then create your flower beds, orchards, and wildlife patches around these structures.

No cash up front, don't worry. The things you need will come to you. For now, set up the space like you have the shed, the bench, or whatever, and work around these areas.

Start all patches and work on them when you can, or start one patch and finish it before moving on to the next. The way you work in your garden depends on several things ...

• land size and budget
• helping hands available
• seasons and weather
• time slots and energy levels!

Treat gardening as an ongoing hobby rather than a start-and-finish project. Plants are growing life forms and will always change the shape and feel of your garden. Go with him where you can and prune strongly where you have to!

Engage children with fast-germinating seeds and fast-growing plants. Many retailers offer special seed mixes for children. Pumpkins are great for getting kids interested in gardening.

Learn about edible flowers and teach children what to eat and what not to eat, and why.

Don't let the grass grow under your feet. Take action now. Turn off the TV, put on your wellies and jump into nature!