A garden can provide far more than just decorative appeal. Anyone can enjoy this hobby from an amateur to someone with a very green thumb. It is an activity which offers the gardener opportunities for achieving serenity and gaining a greater appreciation of life. If you become a avid gardener, it will have a great effect on your way of living.

Gardening can be a rewarding pastime and can bring many benefits. It really pays off when you are able to have a successful garden. Not only do you get good produce, but also a wonderful sense of accomplishment. The information below provides a little advice and a few pointers when it comes to both your garden, and the act of growing.

Before you begin to plant your garden you will need to check the soil. Pay a small fee to have your soil analyzed, and you’ll be glad that you did when you understand what nutrients your soil is lacking. Before you ruin any crops, make sure you do this. Soil can be analyzed at a lot of cooperative extension offices, so make sure you plan accordingly.

Be sure to do some weeding on a regular basis. Weeds can take a promising garden and turn it into a shell of its potential. To help with the removal, you can use white vinegar. White vinegar is a fantastic weed killer! Mix white vinegar and water into a spray bottle instead of pulling the weeds by hand.

If you have planted vegetables within your garden, make sure that they are getting at least six hours of sunlight each day. This allows the vegetables to grow quickly and healthily. Some flowers also require direct sunlight for a portion of each day.

Take extra care of any fragile shrubs that are known to drop their leaves in the autumn. Shrubs that are planted in containers are especially susceptible to frost and must be carefully protected. Tie the tops tightly together, and cover the wigwam with a sheet or blanket draped loosely over it. Using fabric, rather than plastic, allows air circulation and prevents rotting from moisture build up.

Using natural materials in the garden will keep pests away. For example, slugs can be deterred by the presence of marigolds or onions. Keep insects away from shrub and tree seedlings with mulch containing wood ash. Using these methods eliminates your need of chemical pesticides.

An excellent garden shouldn’t begin from plants. They should begin from seeds. As a green-friendly gardener, you always want to use seeds to start your new plot. Most nurseries use a lot of plastic that is not recycled. If you want to buy plants, find a nurseries that uses organic methods or grow your plants from seeds.

Don’t plant a garden without planning it. This will help you to remember where you planted the different plants when sprouts begin to shoot up from the ground. You are also less likely to lose smaller members of the larger garden in the overall mix.