How to Start GardeningGardening is a relaxing and beneficial activity that helps reduce stress. It also allows you to enjoy fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs that add nutrients to your diet.It is recommended to start planning your garden in autumn, but even in spring, it is possible to be successful. Follow these expert tips for a successful start:Decide What You Want to grow intoChoose which vegetables and herbs to grow. Many struggle when it comes to this decision. Flipping through a seed catalog or browsing online it's easy to see why this is one of the most difficult aspects of beginning gardening. Certain vegetables won't thrive in your garden or in your area.What grows well depends on the conditions in which you live.  garden plants  could also have microclimates, or areas that are cooler or drier than the rest of your garden. The type of soil also affect your choices. It must have a loose, fine texture, but not sticky or muddy (clay) or crumbling in your hands (sand). It should be high in organic matter, which can be achieved by using compost, natural fertilizers such as those made with eggshells and kitchen scraps fish tanks water, and Epsoms salt and regular tilling of the soil.Once you've decided on what you want to grow, create an inventory of the seeds you'll need. Make sure you check the dates for planting on the seed packets and make sure they match the season you are growing in. Certain crops are not able being transplanted and are best sown directly. This includes root crops like beets, carrots, and beans peas, corn, and beans. Cucumbers, squash and pumpkins resent being transplanted as well, so are generally sown directly.Pick a Good LocationThe success of your garden depends on a number of things however, the location is most likely the most important. Vegetable plants require full sun and access to water, whereas flowers require a well-drained soil. Avoid areas where frost pockets could be found, as they could slow the growth of plants and even cause damage to them. If you're unable to locate the perfect spot in your yard, there are plenty of options including raised beds and containers.Start by looking at the sunny parts of your property and determining the amount of sunlight they receive throughout the day. Take note of whether nearby trees or shrubs, or even surfaces, create shade during certain seasons, and how this affects the sun's path. After you've narrowed your choices down, select the one that gets the most sunlight on a typical day.Examine the soil's condition next. If it's sandy or silty it will be a harder time growing vegetables than when the soil is loamy and rich. If the soil is bad, you can amend it. But first, you'll need to work on it.Plan ahead and add an area for play in or in your garden if you have children or other family members who will help out. It doesn't matter if you pick a tire swing, sandbox or a garden bed for kids, this will keep them entertained while you tend to the plants and vegetables.Be aware of any potential problems such as deer and rabbits that may cause damage to your garden. It is also recommended to avoid areas where dangerous substances like lead paint or oil could be leaching into the soil because these chemicals could be found in your food and affect your health. Additionally, ensure the location is close to water sources so you can easily hose down your plants in hot weather.Prepare the soilLike any new venture it is crucial to start small and build up your knowledge. Start with a single bed or container if you wish to plant vegetables. This will allow you to get used to working with the soil, learning what the plants do to it and how to prepare for the next planting. You'll also be able to stay motivated and focused if you are only allowed to work in a small area at a given time.Good gardeners know that a thriving vegetable garden starts with healthy soil. The soil supplies nutrients, stability and moisture to the plants. The best soil is a loose, loamy mixture that has been amended with organic matter through time, such as compost or animal manure. This improves the soil's structure to facilitate drainage and air circulation. Gardeners who have experience affirm that a good soil is vital to successful vegetable garden.To prepare the soil for garden, it is necessary to eliminate all existing vegetation. This can be done by tilling, smothering or the combination of these methods. It is essential to eliminate the vegetation that is already present to allow for proper airflow and to add more organic matter to your soil.After removing any existing vegetation, the soil needs to be thoroughly cultivated. You can do this by digging the soil or by tiling it to break it up and loosen it. A good depth of 6-8 inches is ideal. Then, add an organic layer between 3 and 4 inches in thickness. Mix it in with the soil by using a broadfork or  garden  fork. Organic matter can come from compost manure, shredded leaves grass clippings, grass clippings or even cardboard. The key is to add enough organic matter to ensure that the beneficial microbes and soil-dwellers can easily break it down.The soil's texture will help you determine whether it is suitable for planting. It should be moist and easily crumble when you hold it in your hand. It should not be wet and muddy because the soil that is wet can cause compaction, which can negatively impact the root growth. It is recommended to continue to amend the soil every year by adding organic material. It is more economical to add organic material than using commercial fertilizers, which are quick fixes and reduce soil's fertility quickly.Plant Your SeedsWhether you're growing vegetables, herbs or flowers beginning seeds indoors is a jumpstart to the gardening season. It's cheaper than buying transplants, and your crop generally grows more vigorously. You can get important information from seed packets, for example, the time of planting and soil requirements.  gardens  should also know the frequency of each plant's production of seeds so that you can plan your garden in accordance with the time of year. According to The Old Farmer's Almanac the best way to guarantee success in your garden is to use high-quality seed from reputable companies.Make a list of the vegetables and flowers you want to grow. You can narrow down your choices by using catalogs of seeds. Concentrate on what you enjoy eating and what looks good in your backyard. You might want to consider incorporating vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers and squash into your diet as well as herbs such as basil and parsley. For a garden that is vibrant, choose blooms such as marigolds, zinnias, and cosmos. You should also try to discover varieties that are resistant to diseases.An excellent way to learn about the different kinds of seeds to choose from is to visit local farmer's markets and CSAs. This is a great opportunity to support local businesses while also connecting with other gardeners. Additionally, it's a great way to sample what the season has to offer.Most vegetables, including lettuce and beans, can be easily grown from seeds. Certain vegetables, such as tomatoes and peppers require a longer period of growth and may require you to be indoors prior to the date of the last frost. Fortunately, many plants and herbs can be "direct sown" outdoors once the danger of frost has passed.Make sure to purchase your seeds from a company that offers organic and heritage varieties. Botanical Interests is a company that offers high-quality seeds and beautiful illustrations on their packets. Seed Savers Exchange is a nonprofit organization that works to preserve America's culturally varied but endangered food crops heritage.Before you begin planting begin, you must count backwards from the average of your region's last frost date to determine how much time you will must give to plant your seeds either indoors or outside. Be sure to plant only what you are able to cultivate. Plants that are overcrowded will be more susceptible to disease and will be competing with each other for water, light and nutrients.