Living The Good Life

I want to take up gardening as a new hobby. Any tips?

So I’ve been thinking for a while and I’ve decided to want to plant flowers and other plants. Can someone give me some advice from experience in gardening? Thanks

Hi.
It all depends on what you have in mind to do!
Do you want ‘formal’ planting in the garden? Or a more country border style with plants seemingly growing at random in a riot of colour? How much work do you want to do? What sort of garden do you have, how much sun from which direction? Do you have young children or football crazy kids in the adjoining properties? Unfortunately you have to sort out these issues to make the best of what you have or it can cost a LOT of money.
Having said all that…….A good way to start would be to try Container Gardening…you dont have to buy expensive pots and tubs either. There is a good series of books by Bob Flowerdew on the subject, he’s a bit of a recycling / eco – organic maniac but knows his stuff. Had a series on the tv about it too, you should be able to get it from the library.
Do you ‘compost’? Always good for the garden.
Veg growing is very rewarding too, also easy. You can grow varieties of veg that are not available from the supermarket and they taste 100 times better!!!!! I usualy grow a couple of different varieties of tomatoes for instance, moneymaker or gardeners delight and any of the yellow types (sungold are good).Last year we had mini yellow toms in a hanging basket outside the back door…pick as you walk in/out mmmmmmmmm. Grew some ‘red’ cucumbers a couple of years ago (more of a buff yellowy orange than red tho)…best Q i’ve ever tasted!
The only problem with getting started with gardening is … stopping!
It can get obsessional……………………
Brian

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