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.
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Gardening
as a hobby
AKA: Horticulture.
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
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Helpful content to start gardening as a hobby
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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.
- Perennial – A plant that lives for more than two years, usually flowering and seeding every year.
- 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.
- Hardy – A plant that can withstand year-round climatic conditions, including frost, without protection.
- Tender – A plant that cannot survive frost or cold temperatures and needs protection or indoor cultivation.
- Bolting – The premature flowering and seeding of a plant, usually caused by stress or unfavorable conditions.
- Deadheading – The removal of spent flowers to encourage further flowering or prevent self-seeding.
- Pruning – The cutting and trimming of branches, stems, and flowers to shape the plant, remove dead or diseased parts, and encourage new growth.
- 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.
- 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.
- Germination – The process of a seed sprouting and developing into a seedling.
- Seedling – A young plant that has developed from a seed.
- 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.
❗ How to start gardening as a hobby
First moves for getting acquainted and breaking the ice.
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.
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The love of gardening is a seed once sown that never dies.
Gertrude Jekyll
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❓ FAQS
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What kind of space do I need to start a garden?
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.
What tools do I need to start gardening?
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.
What are some easy plants to grow for beginners?
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.
What kind of soil should I use for my garden?
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.
How can I start gardening if I don’t have access to a garden or outdoor space?
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.
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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.
💡 Tips
Additional advice for beginners.
Additional information
| Activities | |
|---|---|
| Fields | Education, Environment, Food and Drink, Plants, Sustainability, Wellbeing |
| Locations | |
| Participants | |
| Skills | Analytical Thinking, Attention to Detail, Attention to Health, Decision-making, Fine Motor Skills, Mindfulness, Organizational Skills, Patience, Physical Fitness, Planning, Problem Solving, Research, Resourcefulness, Self-esteem, Teamwork, Time Management |