TIP! Put down sod correctly. Before laying sod, you have to make sure the soil is accurately prepared.

Many people find gardening to be a great way to relax and have some fun. Knowing which soil to purchase, which gardening equipment to buy and when to plant your seeds are some of the key questions gardeners are asking. Some basic advice will give budding gardeners the information needed to get started.

TIP! Many times when digging in clay soil the clay will adhere to the shovel, which will make it much harder to dig. To make working in clay easier, rub the shovel with floor or car wax and then buff it with a cloth.

Choose the varieties of plants that will produce a higher yield. A plant that is resistant to disease, or one that is tolerant of extreme weather, will deliver a higher yield.

TIP! Starting seedlings in pots before planting in your garden is a smart idea. This boosts the chance that the plants can survive to adulthood.

Check the nutrients in the soil before you plant your garden. A soil analysis is inexpensive and can be used to figure out which nutrients should be added to provide a healthy garden environment. Cooperative Extension departments often offer this testing service. It is a worthwhile effort so a garden can be productive on the first year of planting.

TIP! Check your soil before you begin planting your garden. You can obtain a soil analysis for a nominal fee.

Keep an eye open for stink bugs in your garden, especially during the fall months. They like to feast on all kinds of fruits, as well as peppers, tomatoes, and beans. If kept unchecked they can certainly do a ton of a damage to your garden so you should do what you need to to reduce their population.

TIP! While working in your garden during the fall season, watch out for those stink bugs! These bugs like to eat beans, peppers, tomatoes, and many kinds of fruits. If not managed well, they can wreak havoc on your garden.

Spread a little bit of organic mulch, around two inches worth, in and about each vegetable plant. Mulching helps keep moisture in the soil. In addition, mulch will help you to prevent weeds. You’ll save a ton of time if you don’t have to constantly pull out weeds.

TIP! Be sure to get rid of the weeds growing in your garden. Weeds can turn a beautiful garden into an eyesore.

If you are a first time gardener, it is important that you follow all of the instructions on all of your tools and chemicals. If you fail to do this, you could cause yourself all sorts of injuries, the most common of which is irritated skin. Protect your plants and yourself by knowing how to correctly use all of your gardening implements.

TIP! Make a plan for your garden. A thoughtful plan can remind you of previous plantings and what you will see appearing from the soil in the months of spring and summer.

Do some research to find out the best time for harvesting your vegetables. Each kind of vegetable should be picked at a specific point for maximum flavor. For example, baby peas and zucchini taste best when they are picked young. Contrarily, tomatoes should be left on the vine until maximum ripeness has occurred. So, it is good to learn about the best time to harvest your vegetables.

TIP! Protect your deciduous shrubs which are tender. If you have them in pots, you need to guard them from cold weather that will damage or kill them.

Choose one stand-out plant to be a focal point. A good garden design will have a focal point which captivates attention. You want to choose a plant that will stand out, as opposed to blending in with the other plants adjacent to it.

TIP! An easy, inexpensive way to give them nutrients is to pour the leftover water from your steamed vegetables into the soil. Used teabags or grounds from coffee are a great way to add acid to the soil.

Protect yourself from sun overexposure while gardening by wearing the proper clothing. Pair sunglasses with wide-brimmed hats and a dab of sunblock. Proper protection from the sun means a lower chance of sunburn, as well as a decreased risk of skin cancer.

TIP! Plan your garden, and plant with fall colors in mind. This might not be the reason why.

You don’t want to pick vegetables during the day when it is hot, as that is when they are prone to damage due to them being softer. Twisting could cause plant damage, so ensure that produce is removed by cutting only.

TIP! Your children will enjoy being involved with your organic gardening endeavors. Gardens are terrific teaching tools for kids, and provide great opportunities for interaction, growth, and instruction on healthy living.

This article has provided information necessary to begin the rewarding activity of gardening and to do it successfully. With a thoughtful plan and correct information your garden will soon bloom and flourish. Apply the garden laid out here and you will soon enjoy a gorgeous garden you grew yourself.