Gardening Basics - First Things FirstGardening basics are essential to a good garden. You may have been gardening for a long time, or you may just be getting started. We all have to start somewhere. There are many basics that you must understand no matter where you are in your gardening experience. Here you will find many answers to the basic gardening challenges that we all face as we walk down our own gardening path. If you have been gardening for many years, please give us your best gardening tip in the form at the bottom of this page. Preparing to start your gardenA well designed garden area will be an asset to your home. You can put a garden almost anywhere. Yards with a variety of areas ranging from shade to sun, or wet to dry add visual interest. It also gives you the opportunity to create several specialized gardens. Check out our designing for easy care section to learn 3 elements to having a low-maintenance garden. Here you will learn how to:
Select the Right Tools for the JobHaving the right tool for whatever job you are doing is an essential ingredient to saving you time and money in the garden. There is nothing more frustrating than spending your Saturday morning standing in front of a bunch of tool options and not knowing which one to pick. Now with the internet, you have easy access to lots of information that will help you pick just the right tool that you will need for a garden that your neighbors will envy.
Check out these two great web sites I have found.
www.lawn-mower-reviews.com This site will do just what it says. Here you can find reviews of the top name brand mowers and what others are saying about them. Learn from others experience! Soil Basics-Facts about soil The quality of your soil is one of the most important aspect of your garden. The best type of soil has a loose, crumbly texture. A good way to compare it is like a piece of cake when you crumble it in your hands.
Learn more Climate for your area is very important to know before you plant anything in your garden. What Heat Zone do you live in? What Hardiness Zone are you in?
You will need to know the answer to these questions before you can begin to buy plants for your garden. 
The graphic above is an image of the Hardiness Zone map. For a more detailed and interactive map, go to The Cooperative Extension Agency website in your area. Click on www.usna.usda.gov/Hardzone/ushzmap.com for the hardiness information for your area. Also, be sure to check to see when the first and last frost date is in your area. This will help you in determining when you can put out seeds and tender perennials. Another basic you should consider in order to save yourself time and money is to live with your garden through the different seasons for a year and keep your observations in a journal. In this journal take notes on what pre-existing conditions you have on your property. Also, make notes on what trees you want to keep or discard. Do you have a beautiful sunset that you don't want to block? Are there any drainage problems that you want to address in the future? With these basics you should be off to a great start.
Give Us Your Best Tips
What tips would you give a beginner gardener. Beginner gardeners can sometimes be a little intimidated by the whole gardening thing. Sometimes they don't even know where to begin! Learn More Gardening Basics at the links below: Landscape Design Transplanting Trees Return to Home Page from Gardening Basics
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