Vegetables
Growing fresh vegetables can be very pleasurable although supermarkets sell flawless vegetables all year. Million of Americans still grow their own vegetables in their own gardens at home; and more people are turning to gardening every year. There are many reasons to explaining this phenomenon. Here are some of the most popular:

• Have control over food they eat - guaranteed pesticide free vegetables

• Growing vegetables not available in grocery stores. Gardeners are not limited to the vegetables grocery stores have to offer, they can grow whatever vegetables they want!

• Strong taste - Vegetables grown at home usually have a more robust and hearty taste.

• Satisfaction of saying, "I grew it myself.' Nothing is better than enjoying the fruits of your labor.

General gardening
As a gardener or landscaper, you strive for beauty. On the other hand, nature strives for balance. In the natural world, what we call weeds are only plants, and the 'good bugs' and 'bad bugs' are all thrown into the same group.

It is more rewarding and easier to play by nature's rules - diversity and balance. There are millions of organisms in the soil and air and you must offer a diverse environment. The balance will fall into place afterwards. This is the key to having a balanced healthy eco-system.

The mistake gardeners often make are the use of artificial materials in their gardens. Plant food and bug killers often knock nature's balance off. Without help, nature will balance itself without aid.

Fruits as decoration
Plants and trees that produce fruits are often decorative. Out of the many shapes and sizes of fruit- and vegetable-producing plants, there's definitely one for you. Some examples of very versatile plants are strawberry, kiwi, raspberry, blackberry plants.

Decorative plants do not need large plots of land. There are many 'space-saving' plants you can grow them anywhere.

You should also consider trees. Plum, apple, and pear trees are very popular and their fruits are very delicious.

In conclusion, growing plants are very easy and there is not reason why you shouldn't start a garden. You will enjoy a wonder harvest as well as have beautiful decorative plants.

Planting seeds

• 1. Rake soil lightly to remove large clumps and rocks

• 2. Scatter the seeds all over the ground

• 3. Cover lightly using flat side of rake

• 4. Water lightly, but thoroughly

• 5. Thin to recommended spacing on packet

Soil
The texture of soil depends on the proportion of sand to mineral particles. To determine you soil type, roll a handful of soil together and squeeze it tightly.

• Good soils will compact into a snowball but will crumble if pressure is applied.

• Clay - Won't crumble

• Sandy - Won't pack into a ball

Herbs
Herbs are used by everyone, from the ancient Celts to the television cooks. Over the years throughout history, people used herbs to mend broken bones, flavor foods, cure the common cold, cast spells, amuse cats, dye cloth, and repel moths.

Herbs are very versatile. They can be a part of a formal and controlled garden or a casual and layback garden. They are easy to grow, there is little upkeep, and versatile soil requirements. Herb gardens are very customizable and everyone should have one.

Planting carrots

• 1. With a hoe, lightly pat the ground so that it is firm and flat

• 2. Create a series of furrows

• 3. Check packet for correct depth and spacing and make trenches accordingly

• 4. Sprinkle the seeds into the trenches

• 5. Cover and water lightly, but thoroughly

• 6. When the carrots grow to 2 inches, thin to recommended spacing

Planting tomatoes

• 1. Drive a 4-6 foot stake 1 foot down into the ground

• 2. Position the tomato plant 4-6 inches from the stake

• 3. The lowest leaves should be just above the ground

• 4. When plants grow taller, tie the stems loosely to the stake

• 5. Only allow 2 or 3 stems to grow so that the plant will grow tall

• 6. As the plant grows taller, tie the stem to the stake at 12 " intervals