GARDENING SPECIAL
HOW TO PREPARE YOUR GARDE 16
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Asian Voice | 26th March 2016
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Today more and more people are discovering the joys of playing in the dirt—though grown-ups might prefer the term “gardening.” It’s a joy to see the garden wake up after winter. Spring is the busiest time in the garden, so try to get ahead before the weeds start growing. This is the time to sow seeds, indoors and outside, and to make weeding a priority.
Whether it is flowers or fruits, for some gardening is something recreational, for others it is a way of adding beauty to their homes, or a question of a better environment, or a professional achievement. Britain's weather is not always conducive for gardening, though through out the year, one could add bit by bit to their garden. Gardening has also been shown to have significant health benefits. For starters, it encourages people to engage in other behaviors and activities that promote wellness. Gardening reduces stress and improves mental health. And it counts as moderate-intensity exercise, which can help people live longer lives. According to the greatist.com, plants are like people—each type of plant has a unique “personality” and likes different things. It’s fun but can take some experimentation to learn what works best for a particular type of plant. That being said, virtually all plants require a few basic ingredients: sun, water, nutrients and the right soiljust the quantity differs. Moreover gardens come in all shapes and sizes. Hence it's just a matter of figuring out what will work for you.
COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT GARDENING
The wonderful thing about gardening is that there are so many potential plants out there to grow. Here are some things to think about as you plan your garden: • What types of plants are you most excited to grow? • If you’re growing plants for food, what do you most like to cook and eat? • What amount of space and light do you have available for gardening? • How much time are you
5 TOP BUDGET GARDEN DECORATION IDEAS Painted bench with cushions: A budget gar-
looking to spend gardening? It is a huge commitment, so you have to plan your time accordingly.
ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT
Beginner gardening requires a few tools. The larger the scale of your gardening, the more tools you’re likely to need. Container gardens are super-simple to get going. For these, containers, potting soil, a watering can, and a small trowel (or even a sturdy kitchen spoon!) are the basic equipment that’s needed. For raised beds or beds in the ground, it’s helpful to have a trowel, watering can, shovel, hoe, and digging fork.
PREPARING FOR PLANTING
• You have planned where your garden is, what plants to plant, how you will take care of them and the essential equipment. • When you are purchasing
plants, you will the opion of either buy seeds or small, starter plants that you can move to your garden. Many flowers and vegetables are actually simpler and easy to grow from seeds. • If the growing season is particularly short, or if a larger plant is going to make that garden look great. To combine the best of both worlds, lots of seeds can be started inside in pots and later transplanted outdoors. The directions for planting will depend on what’s being planted; typically this information is provided on the seed packet or tag that comes with a given plant.
den bench from a DIY store can be painted in any colour you like to inject some life into your garden. The white colour really stands out against the green plants, brightening up a shady spot, but you are free to colour it as you please. Printed benches with your children's favourite colour can also make them like nature more. You will get similar bench at B&Q Outdoor fairly lights with cup cake case shades: Find some pretty paper cupcake
WEEDS, PESTS AND DISEASES
Once plants are in the garden, one of the biggest challenges is keeping weeds, pests, and diseases out of the garden. To a certain extent, weeds are inevitable, so that’s okay, as long as they don’t start choking out your plants. Garden pests and diseases challenge even the most experienced of gardeners. But in reality many of these issues can be resolved in advance. Many bugs and diseases that cause damage to plants are more likely to occur when plants are stressed, so ensuring that plants receive a good amount of sun, water, and nutrients will reduce other
will make any garden feel special. Train plants around it for added character and choose colourful seat pads to create a comfy lounge area. Try Forest Garden. Garden with tree-hung hammock: Doesn't everybody dream of reclining in a
cases and use them as shades on inexpensive battery-operated outdoor LED fairy lights. Easy, effective and bargainous. For cupcake cases try Planet Bake. Garden corner with dual-purpose seating: This two-in-one garden seating also includes an overhead arbour. An arbour
hammock on a sunny day? If you're lucky enough to have strategically planted trees, a hammock can work out a lot cheaper (from around £60) than more traditional wooden or metal garden furniture. Add a picnic rug and plenty of cushions to create a sociable area for a spot of afternoon tea. Try Hammock Heaven. Window planter: Window boxes will brighten any window, but they're especially handy if you don't have much outdoor space. Try planting a mini kitchen garden full of salad and herbs - there are lots of mixed seed collections available in garden centres from around £2 for a summer's worth of seeds. Try Homebase.