If you have recently become the proud owner of your first property and you know absolutely zilch about gardening, you have come to the right place. In this short article, we offer a few tips to get you started and tending one’s garden brings with it many benefits; you get an overwhelming feeling of satisfaction when you view the well-kept flower beds and mowed lawn, plus some say gardening soothes the mind.

Here are some useful gardening tips.

• Vital equipment – Gardening does require that you have the right tools for the job; a wheelbarrow, garden fork and spade, rake, pruning shears and some form of grass-cutting machine (mower or strimmer). Most people acquire the tools they need as the need arises and always buy top-quality tools that will stand the test of time.
• Know your garden – The more you know about your plot of land, the easier it is to plan your garden. Take note of the arc of the Sun and the direction the garden is facing, as this has some bearing on the trees, shrubs and flowers that you plant.
• Planting – It is always best to add some good quality mulch and dig it into the soil a few weeks before planting in the spring months. Invest in a small hand trowel for smaller plants and make sure the hole is large enough to accommodate what you are growing. When planting, water the root ball prior to putting it in the ground, as this gives the plant a good start. Make sure your mulch is of the best quality and is at least 3 inches deep, which also prevents weed growth.
• Pruning – Trees and shrubs need to be pruned and shaped and prior to the growing season (spring) is the best time to prune. Of course, a lot depends on the species; Google can help you find more specific information on a particular tree or shrub (some require pruning at other times of the year). If you are unsure, call in a local arborist, who can prune all your trees and shrubs and most are happy to teach the customer the basics of pruning.
• Container planting – If your soil is not the best, you might want to consider planting in pots or other containers; those who live in condos or apartments can really create a nice garden on their balcony. If you are at all concerned about mould in the home, click here.
• Watch out for frost – Frost can quickly kill your plants, so you should know the times of year when frost might occur. Find out the average first and last frost dates and this will help you with your planting.
• Fertiliser – All living plants require nutrition and the soil might not provide everything they need to optimum growth. Do some online research about fertiliser and acquire a few bags and distribute accordingly.

Gardening has much to offer and most people’s gardens are a work in progress and over time, you can create a garden to be proud of; a nice soothing and relaxing area to spend your downtime.