There are a few basic skills that I will need to learn to become a good gardener. Most of these skills will become second nature to everybody once I have learn the skills of being a good gardener, then gardening becomes easy.
Planting
Planting is the most important skill that I can learn. Some different ways that I can learn on how to plant are watching a very experienced gardener or to volunteer to get hands on experience.
To plant my newly purchased plants, dig a hole larger than the pots that the plants are in. I will need to turn the pots upside down with one hand and put my other hand underneath to catch my plants. Always try to get the plants out very slowly. Do not yank or pull the plant out by the stems. Always plant them at the same level that they was growing in the pot, but in a slight depression. Then I will need to pack the soil around the plant, this is done using only my hands.
As I plant each plant I will build up, a mud wall about two inches high around each plant. This will help to keep the moisture in. Then I will have to water each plant with a water hose very slowly until each plant thoroughly saturated. If you live in a cold winter area, you will need to fertilize every couple of weeks until July and then you will need to stop now so the plants can get ready for the cooler fall weather. With perennials you do not fertilize them when they are in their second year.
Transplanting
When I have a perennial that I want to divide and transplant it is best done in the early spring, just as the plant emerges. I can basically do it anytime expect during the summer heat. Dig the plant up and cut it in half or in several pieces depending on its size. I can use a spade or a kitchen knife. to do this.
Transplanting is like planting except I sometimes would like to shape up my plants. This means cutting back the top growth so the roots do not have to much to support while they are getting establishing themselves. This plant needs to end up at the same level that it was growing before it was started. Also I will need to create an earthen dam around the base to catch and hold the water. I will need to thoroughly soak the soil right after I plant them.
Growing From Seed
Sowing seeds is a whole lot less work , than planting. Some of the seeds, not all kinds of seeds, can be sprinkled over the soil I can either do this in fall or late winter with annuals such as poppies, bachelor's buttons, and larkspurs. Vegetable seeds are always planted in rows at the time that they are suppose to be planted. Take your rake, and dig and level the soil to create a furrow or so deep. Then I will plant my seeds like beans, corn, and peas or whatever I choose to plant now. I will cover the seeds about a 1/4" to 1/2" deep. I will need to space the seeds a few inches apart, knowing this is they germinate and grow, I will need to thin them so this will allow them room to grow. Different vegetables mean different ways to thin them.
Sowing seeds inside is easier to do because you will be able to sit down and do this part. Next the container needs to be fill with a soil mixture that is made for the seedlings. Plant a few seeds into each cell and cover them exactly as the directions say on the back of the seed packet. Always water from the bottom by soaking the containers in their trays. Do not water from the top, because this will move all the seeds that I have planted. Seed plants will also tell you when to plant which is four to eight weeks before the average frost-free time in your area, always count backwards from that time. A good thing to do during the winter is to get it your garden down on paper.
Spacing Plants
I will need to know some information on how to space my plants. For example, for trees and shrubs will need different spacing. Trees need a lot of space so the trees will have pl entry of room to grow. For perennials and annuals, I can always check with nursery centers or a garden centers.
Feeding Plants
Once everything is planted and growing , now is the time to start feeding my plants. There is no set example in feeding my plants. Some plants are heavier feeders than other plants. Some do not want or need any extra fertilization at all. Be generous with bulbs, roses, most annuals, vegetables, and containerized plants. Most herbs, trees, shrubs, perennials, and vines can get along pretty well on their own. If perennials are overfed, they will come up with a bunch of lax, floppy plants. If this happens, they will have to be stalked.
Plant Supports
Some plants need to have support, and one of the flowers that has to have support is dahlias. To stake a plant I will need to stake a sturdy bamboo pole, as tall as the plant is suppose to be I can use twine., yarn, or twist-ties every 10" attaching it first to the stake and then around the plant stem.
Deadheading, Shaping, And Pruning
Deadheading is when I cut or pinch off faded blossoms and their stems. Deadheading encourages plants to keep blooming rather than them putting all of their energies into seed production. Some plants have to be cut back about 1/2 and then other plants will have to be cut all the way down. Plants that are included in this are lupine, cat mint, daisies, meadow page, and columbine.
In the early spring, this is the best time to cut out dead branches on trees and shrubs and also do minimal shaping. It is time also to cut back perennials and ornamental grasses.
Summary
There are many different basic skills that a good gardener needs to know. They are planting, transplanting, growing from seed, spacing plants, feeding plants, plant supports and deadheading shaping and pruing.
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