Gardening Techniques

Basic Gardening Skills

Gardening can hardly be described as _ rocket science _ but, having said that, some people seem to be far more successful than others.

Not only so, but success and hard work do not always go together, whereas success and enjoyment invariably do.

To get most work done with the least effort requires a combination of many skills, for example:

• When a lot of digging is called for, it helps if you appreciate the principles of levers when holding and using a spade or fork.
• Pruning a tree or shrub for best decorative effect, whilst taking due care for the health of the plant requires a good eye, a steady hand and a knowledge of what best suits each species.
• Successful propagation requires an understanding of what each type of plant prefers by way of soil, temperature, humidity, times for sowing, methods of propagation and sometimes a gentle touch.
• If you want to make best use of a greenhouse, cold frame or cloches, you will need to understand some of the principles of hygiene, pest control and how to maintain the appropriate balance of temperature, humidity, light and ventilation.

Learn from Those Who Know

You can learn the theory from books or websites such as this one, but there is no real substitute for learning from those who have honed their skills over many years. The good news is that virtually every enthusiastic gardener is also enthusiastic about passing on their know-how to others.

In addition to the basic skills that are most directly associated with gardening, you may need to undertake repairs to greenhouses, sheds, fences and other garden structures, so you need some basic joinery skills. Tools need to be sharpened, cleaned and adjusted, so a little engineering ability comes in handy. In some cases you may need to maintain and repair powered tools, so some electrical knowledge or automotive experience may be required.

Someone just starting gardening should not feel overwhelmed by all this. There are always people around who will offer advice and lend a helping hand when it is needed. There is often competition between gardeners but there is much comradeship as well.

Further Reading

Gardening Know How

	Organic Gardening Organic Gardening - Guidance on how to plan an organic garden and how to carry on looking after it.
	Hedges Hedges - Buying, planting and after-care, including laying a hedge
	Hedge Laying Laying a Hedge to eliminate ugly gaps and improve security
	Propagation Cheap and easy ways to produce more plants for your garden.
	Cuttings Growing landscape plants from cuttings
	Cuttings Taking and growing semi-ripe cuttings
	Pruning Principles of pruning the easy way
	Pruning Encourage fresh new growth for more healthy plants
	Transplanting Tips for transplanting trees and shrubs
	Watering Satisfy your plants thirst for water
	Ponds Enjoy the sound and sight of running water
	Grow Bags Grow tomatoes, aubergines, chillies and cucumbers
	Organic Gardening Organic gardener _ s tool kit
	Garden Budgeting How to manage the costs of gardening