Starting a Garden Once you understand the basics of garden care you’re ready to get started Each project in this book includes a list of the materials you’ll need Most can be found at a nursery department store or hardware store If you can’t find the exact plants or supplies listed don’t despair Use what you can find and give the project your own twist After you’ve decided on what garden to grow you’ll need seeds seedlings or plants A seedling is a very young plant If you start with a seedling or plant you’ll need to transfer it from its original container into your garden or pot If planting in a container make sure there are holes on the bottom so water can drain Eventually a plant may grow too large for its pot If this
happens carefully remove the plant gently loosen the roots and replant it in a larger container Fill in around it with fresh potting soil Gardening Tools You’ll also need a few tools and other supplies A trowel is used to dig holes for bulbs or seedlings Plant labels will help you remember what you planted and where A spade rake or hoe may come in handy when preparing an outdoor garden bed Weeding and Mulching Removing weeds will help keep your plants in good shape especially if your garden is outdoors The best way to prevent weeds is to put mulch around your plants Mulch also helps keep the soil moist Fertilizer It’s a good idea to add some fertilizer to your soil or water every month or two Buy liquid houseplant fertilizer or plant spikes and follow the directions on the package
Preparing an Outdoor Garden Bed Before you can start planting outdoors you need to prepare the soil If you’re starting a new garden remove any grass and weeds Turn and mix the soil well If you have very sandy or heavy clay soil mix in some compost manure or peat moss Rake out any clumps of weeds and large stones Then smooth out the soil If you’ve already used the area for a garden remove any weeds and then loosen the soil before smoothing it out
