Gardening through the year advice guides - Which? (2024)

FAQs

What is the most important part of gardening? ›

Why and how it's important for gardeners to improve the soil in their gardens.

You can plant or harvest something from your garden almost all year. The two major planting periods, however, are spring (March to May) and fall (mid-July to September). The spring plantings are harvested in June and July, while the fall plantings are harvested from October to December.

Trees, hedges, and other plants counter climate change by trapping carbon and emitting oxygen; and worldwide, forests may offset a quarter of man-made carbon dioxide. They also improve the environment by reducing noise, heat, glare, wind, water run-off, erosion and dust.

The core fundamentals of gardening are massive amounts of direct sunlight, correct amounts of water at the right times, and extremely healthy soil.

It's never too late. It just matters what you put into that garden. It may be too late to grow tomatoes in your Chicago garden in September because you'll be getting cold weather soon, but you could still grow carrots, radishes, and lettuce plants.

When done correctly, even the smallest backyard plot can produce copious amounts of fruits and vegetables and possibly even a significant saving to the grocery budget. However, it takes time and patience, and a small outlay of money to buy seeds, and tools, if you need them.

Finding Your Time

As a general rule, you should plant hardy greens and cruciferous vegetables (cool weather crops) a few weeks before your final frost. If you start these crops in February or March, you'll likely be harvesting your own fresh veggies by April or May.

As a general rule, put tall veggies toward the back of the bed, mid-sized ones in the middle, and smaller plants in the front or as a border. Consider adding pollinator plants to attract beneficial insects that can not only help you get a better harvest, but will also prey on garden pests.

What vegetables should a first-time gardener? ›

Beets, lettuce, kale, cucumbers, peas, radishes, cherry tomatoes and green beans are some of the easiest vegetables for beginners to grow. Summer and winter squash are also good choices for first-time gardeners.

Do not disturb containers, fountains, statuaries or water features. No playing or standing on fountains, statuaries and in water features. Do not climb trees or rocks. Do not feed animals, birds or fishes. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

The main parts of a plant include: Roots. Stem. Leaves.

There are many reasons to explain why gardening is such a benefit to mental health. "Gardening provides a space to be creative, exercise, decompress, and have fun, “ says Borden. It also helps with mindfulness which can lower stress and anxiety.

Connection to Nature

One of the most immediate benefits of gardening is the connection it offers to nature. In an increasingly urbanized world, many seek the solace and grounding energy of tending to plants. It gives us a break from screens and the fast-paced lifestyle, allowing us to sync with nature's slower rhythm.