Gardening is one of the most popular American hobbies and can be a great way to get some fresh air and exercise while making your house look more attractive. If you are interested in learning more about how to maximize your green thumb potential, you have come to the right place!

Remember to aerate your soil. If you loosen or puncture the soil, it will increase air permeability and water penetration. Aerating can be pressure washer as turning the soil over with a trowel, or in the case of lawns, making small holes in the grass. This can be done with an aerating machine, a garden fork, or even by walking on the grass wearing a pair of spiked golf shoes. This brings oxygen into the roots and promotes healthy new growth.


Plants that result in a larger yield should be higher on your priority list when planning the garden. Normally, hybrid plants that are disease-resistant and cold-tolerant have a greater yield than traditional varieties.

Used tea and coffee grounds make good soil enrichers. Both coffee and tea grounds are great additions when you need to raise the acidity of your soil. If your soil is pH balanced, adding the tea and coffee is good, as flowers such as rhododendrons and azaleas, and fruits such as blueberry, appreciate soil that is on the acidic side. You can work the grounds into the soil before you plant your garden, or sprinkle a little around existing plants once a week or so.

Create a record journal for your garden. Keep track of when you planted your seeds, when they germinated, how many grow to full size, the yield, etc. You will have more knowledge about your plants and a good idea of how successful your methods are. Use this information for your next grow cycles.

Make sure to pick the right seeds for your location and zone. Certain crops grow better in certain locations. Seed packets usually have information regarding USDA zones. Information regarding USDA Plant Hardiness Zones is also available online. A good example of this is growing oranges in warmer climates and apples in cooler climates.

To keep pests out of your garden without using chemicals, try planting onions at your garden's borders. The scent of the onion will work as a natural repellent and will keep many creatures from disturbing your plants. As an added bonus, this allows you to regularly have fresh onions to use in your cooking.

To ensure success with your rose bushes you need to follow four simple steps. Water deeply twice a week, rather than shallowly more often, and avoid splashing the leaves with water to prevent disease. Make sure your roses are planted where they receive at least six hours of sun a day. Space your roses far enough apart to ensure air circulation and deter mildew. Finally, keep soil pH between 6.5 and .8.

Gardening can be an excellent stress-reducer and a great way to add to the attractiveness of your house. Regardless of your level of gardening ability, the ideas presented in this article will be helpful to you in your pursuit of an attractive, well-kept garden. So grab your gardening gloves and go for it!