If you want to start a garden at home, there are several things you need to know. The first thing is to choose a space that drains well. It is also helpful to choose a location near your house, so you can tend to it easily and notice any problems early on. It will also be easier to pick vegetables like tomatoes or herbs when they are in peak form. Once you have chosen the location, it is time to get planting.

Another reason to start a garden is that it increases your daily intake of fruits and vegetables. Each variety of vegetable has specific health benefits. For instance, homegrown tomatoes are high in antioxidants and contain a lot of vitamin C and potassium. Growing your own fruits and vegetables also lowers your monthly food budget and helps the environment. Gardening is a great way to start your day. It can also give you a sense of pride and accomplishment.

When starting a garden, it is important to start small. Don’t try to make a huge garden when you’re a complete beginner. Start with a small area and expand as you gain confidence. Before you start your new garden, choose what type of vegetables you’d like to grow. If you live in a hot climate, you may need to start with cooler-weather vegetables. Aside from vegetables, you can also grow flowers like marigolds to attract pollinators and keep pests away.

Growing your own food is another great way to increase your intake of fresh fruits and vegetables. Not only is it good for your body, it will also help you create healthier eating habits. Furthermore, gardening has been linked to a decrease in depression and anxiety symptoms. It has also been shown to help reduce cortisol, which is a hormone that increases feelings of stress. Even if you don’t feel like gardening, it can improve your mood and make your home a healthier place to live.

To begin gardening at home, clean the area where you’ll be planting. It is also important to learn about the types of soil in your area. Soil is crucial for plants to grow and provides them with the water, air and nutrients they need to thrive. Soil types include peaty, chalky, and loamy soil, which each have different properties. By learning the properties of each, you can choose the right type of soil for your garden.

You can also grow fruits and vegetables for your garden. Many plants are naturally repellent to pests. Some beneficial insects include ladybugs, praying mantis, dragonflies, and hoverflies. It is also important to avoid burying dead leaves in the soil, as this can create a habitat for insects. Moreover, do not put infested plants into the compost pile. To kill pests, you can use homemade insecticides, which are made of natural ingredients.