If you're just starting out in gardening, Gardening Basics for Dummies is a great resource. It's a wonderful reference for planting and growing flowers, vegetables, fruits, herbs, trees, shrubs, bulbs and even container plants. Like all Dummies books, the instructions are spelled out in a simple, clear language that instills confidence in beginners. But seasoned gardeners will find it a useful reference tool as well.
A Blank Landscape
A first house, or any fresh patch of grass, can instill fear in a new resident. Whether you've just purchased a home or have moved into a rental that finally includes gardening space, a new landscape project can feel overwhelming. All that space. So much grass. What to do? You could go back inside with a glass of tea, but you're sure to face the same questions tomorrow. All that's needed is a little self-esteem boost in the gardening department, and the Dummies series can serve as a wonderful stepping stone (pardon the pun) in that direction.
Start from Scratch
The key to starting a garden from scratch is to begin with a simple plan. Growing orchids or your favorite tea rose is probably best saved until after you've had some experience. Start with plants you can rely upon to reward your efforts, thereby increasing your confidence as well as beautifying the landscape. Like building a wardrobe, start with some good, reliable basics (often called perennials – those lovely gifts you plant once that re-bloom each year), then add a few accessories (the annuals you toss out at the end of each season) and build on your starter garden each year.
Gardener's Questions
Even in the initial basic planting stage, you're likely to come across some head-scratching questions. Is a soil addition necessary? Will this plant grow in my zone? When do I start? How to control weeds? Must I mulch? Can I automate watering or does the hose need to be nearby? Suddenly, that newcomer's inspiration is wavering a bit. And that is exactly the sort of fear that can turn a potential gardener into a mower-only sort of person.
I'm done. Now What?
Once you get past the first planting stage, there are still surprises waiting in the yard. For instance, the lawn can become an obsession. Weeds have a way of taking over. But grass is just the beginning of the unexpected concerns. There are mulch choices to make, design factors to consider, and just when you think your work is done in the fall, it is time to plant a bulb for that lovely tulip you'd like to see announcing spring.
A Handy Reference
As you can surely see here, a little help is in order. Go back to your comfy chair with a good gardening guide and begin the planning stages in a calm state boosted by simple instruction. Gardening Basics for Dummies can be had for a mere $14.95 (ISBN 978-0470037492). This 412-page volume was published in 2007 by the "For Dummies" people, and authored by Steven Frowine. Enjoy your new gardening experience.
Further Reading:
Grow a Culinary Cooking Garden
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