Growing a garden can be fun, beneficial and overall beautiful. But, this isn’t the bean sprout you grew in kindergarten. Gardening requires a lot of hard work and patience to get the best results. Here are tips on how:

• Know Your Plant Hardiness Zone - This number based zone, which is described at BackyardGardener.com, lets you determine what plants are best for your climate. Tropical plants, for instance, may not do as well in New York as they do in Florida.
• Know Your Soil - Different types of soil affect how plants grow. You can have soil that is sandy, full of clay or lacks basic nutrients that will help your garden grow. Garden And Hearth covers what you need to know about your soil and the tests involved.
• Choose The Correct Plants - After you determine your hardiness zone and soil, as well as factors that may affect your garden, such as weather, buy plants that will thrive in these conditions. Most plants, bulbs and seed packets come with some sort of guide to help you.
• Know The Plants - Know the plants you are buying, such as the care they need, how much you have to water them, and what to do when the season changes. The U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Database is a good start for information.
• Map Out Your Garden - Draw your planned garden before planting everything, and take into account all the factors that effect the plants you will be growing. Some plants may not mix well with other plants, for instance, or you may not have enough space for seeds that need to be planted every seven inches. When you’re done drawing out the map, then chalk out your garden so you plant the plants, seeds and bulbs in the correct place.
• Have All Necessary Gardening Tools - If you want to grow a garden, there are tools you should have to make preparing, planting and sowing easier. Here is a good list of gardening tools to have from About.com.
• Know Your Fertilizer Options - Different plants require different fertilizers, and your own preferences, such as organic, will affect what products you buy. Here’s a quick lesson on fertilizers from About.com.
• Keep Watch For Changes - Make sure you observe your garden for any changes that are outside of the norm. If your garden isn’t growing as planned, you may have a problem, like garden pests or disease.
• Secure Your Garden - If you live in an area with pests, or even have pets, you’ll want to secure your garden to keep them out. Here are tips for pet proofing your garden and a Google search for garden pest repellents.
• Ask An Expert - If you have a question regarding your garden, don’t hesitate to contact your local nursery or garden center for tips and advice.

What are your best gardening tips?

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