person digging on soil using garden shovel

Gardening

as a hobby

AKA: Horticulture

Reviewed by:

The glory of gardening: hands in the dirt, head in the sun, heart with nature. To nurture a garden is to feed not just the body, but the soul.

Alfred Austin

Gardening is a hobby that can enrich your life in many ways. It can help you relax, stay healthy, save money, and enjoy nature. Gardening is also easy to start and suitable for anyone. All you need is some space, some seeds, some tools, and some enthusiasm. You can grow flowers, vegetables, herbs, or anything you like. Gardening as a hobby is a rewarding and fun activity that you will love.

Helpful content to get started

The page is curated to inspire and help you get started with gardening as a hobby.

Overwhelmed? Play a random video or podcast to start getting familiar with gardening.

We strive for accuracy, but errors may occur. Always use your judgment. Refer to the listed resources for further research.

Videos

Short visual inspiration.

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Podcasts

Play an episode while exploring the page.

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Gardening can reduce stress and improve mental health. Studies have shown that gardening can lower cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress, and increase positive emotions and self-esteem.



Terms

Basic lingo for orientation.

  • Annual – A plant that completes its entire life cycle (sprouts, flowers, produces seeds, and dies) in one year or less.
  • Biennial – A plant that completes its entire life cycle in two years, growing in the first year and flowering and seeding in the second.
  • Bolting – The premature flowering and seeding of a plant, usually caused by stress or unfavorable conditions.
  • Compost – A mixture of organic matter, such as kitchen scraps and garden waste, that has decomposed and can be used as a fertilizer and soil conditioner.
  • Deadheading – The removal of spent flowers to encourage further flowering or prevent self-seeding.
  • Deciduous – A plant that sheds its leaves at the end of the growing season and renews them at the beginning of the next.
  • Evergreen – A plant that retains most of its leaves throughout the year.
  • Germination – The process of a seed sprouting and developing into a seedling.
  • Hardy – A plant that can withstand year-round climatic conditions, including frost, without protection.
  • Mulch – A layer of organic or inorganic material, such as bark, straw, gravel, or plastic, that is spread over the soil surface to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and improve soil quality.
  • Perennial – A plant that lives for more than two years, usually flowering and seeding every year.
  • Pruning – The cutting and trimming of branches, stems, and flowers to shape the plant, remove dead or diseased parts, and encourage new growth.
  • Seedling – A young plant that has developed from a seed.
  • Tender – A plant that cannot survive frost or cold temperatures and needs protection or indoor cultivation.
  • Transplanting – The process of moving a plant from one place to another, such as from a pot to the ground or from one location to another.

Term Videos

First Steps

How to break the ice and make a start. One Aha! moment is all you need.

Starting with gardening can be overwhelming. There is a lot to learn and a lot to consider. Starting with a home garden starter kit can be a good idea. It can help you to start small with guidance and less room for error. This way, you will quickly get started and grow your confidence in the wonderful world of gardening.

First Steps Videos

Products

Essentials to have.

Product Demos

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How-Tos

Step-by-step tutorials.

How-To Videos

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Books

Get read-y.



Articles

Further reading.

audio and Video Articles

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Websites

Go-tos for information.

Website Previews

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Movies & TV

Nothing like a good film or a show for inspiration.

Movie and TV Trailers

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The love of gardening is a seed once sown that never dies.

Gertrude Jekyll

FAQS

Get a clue.

Q: What kind of space do I need to start a garden?

A: You can start a garden in as little as a few square feet, depending on the plants you want to grow. Container gardening or raised beds can be a great option for small spaces.

Q: What tools do I need to start gardening?

A: Basic tools like a trowel, pruners, and gloves will be helpful for most gardening projects. Other tools like a hoe, rake, and shovel may be necessary for larger gardens.

Q: What are some easy plants to grow for beginners?

A: Herbs like basil, mint, and parsley are easy to grow and can be used in cooking. Tomatoes, lettuce, and carrots are also good options for beginners.

Q: What kind of soil should I use for my garden?

A: The type of soil needed will depend on the plants you want to grow. Generally, a well-draining soil with a balanced pH and plenty of organic matter will work well for most plants.

Q: How can I start gardening if I don’t have access to a garden or outdoor space?

A: If you don’t have access to a garden or outdoor space, you can still start gardening by growing plants indoors. Houseplants or herbs like basil, mint, and parsley can be grown in containers on a sunny windowsill or under artificial lights. You can also consider joining a community garden or finding a plot in a public garden to grow your own plants outdoors. Additionally, some cities offer programs for residents to adopt and care for street trees or planters in public spaces.

FAQ Videos

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Apps

Smart start.

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Courses

Get smart.

Video courses and trailers

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Community & Near You

Get together.

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Newsletters

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Tips

Additional advice for beginners.

Video Tips

Gardening can save you money and reduce food waste. Growing your own food can help you save on grocery bills and eat more healthily. You can also use your kitchen scraps and organic waste to make compost, which can enrich your soil and reduce landfill.



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