As part of Made For Adventure, we're showcasing our favourite outdoor activities and why we think you should try them out. Our aim is to inspire you to get out and make the most of the great outdoors!
Welcome to the wonderful world of gardening, where the sheer joy of seeing a tiny seedling sprout and flourish will inspire your desire to cultivate even more. If you're a beginner with a desire to grow your own fruit, veggies and flowers, you've come to the perfect place. We'll be sharing our insights into the essential equipment you'll need and recommendations for beginner-friendly plants that are a breeze to grow.
Whether you're sprouting seeds on your windowsill or tending to a full-fledged garden, get ready to experience the joy and satisfaction of growing your own plant paradise. Let's roll up our sleeves, put on those gardening gloves and dive headfirst into this blooming adventure together.
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Essential Gardening Tools
Whether you're a green-thumbed pro or a budding beginner, we've got you covered with the tools you need for achieving gardening success!
Gloves
Gloves offer protection for your hands during various gardening tasks. They serve as a crucial barrier against potential injuries, shielding you from pricks, cuts and scratches caused by thorns and sharp edges. With gloves, you can work confidently with soil, plants and gardening materials, knowing that your hands are safeguarded from potential harm.
Trowel
Just like a chef's knife is indispensable in the kitchen, a trowel is an essential tool in the world of gardening. Designed for digging, transplanting and planting, these compact and durable trowels feature a pointed blade.
Their versatility shines when working in tight spaces like flower beds and containers, allowing precise digging, efficient soil loosening and delicate seedling transfers without causing risking any harm.
Garden Fork/Spade
For larger gardening projects, such as creating planting beds or dividing plants, the garden fork and spade are ideal tools for soil preparation and cultivation. The fork's sturdy tines loosen compacted soil and improve drainage, while the spade's flat blade is perfect for digging and edging.
Together, these tools provide the strength and versatility needed to tackle various tasks involved in transforming your garden into a thriving space.
Pruning Shears/Secateurs
Pruning shears, also known as secateurs, are vital for plant maintenance. With sharp blades, they provide precise cuts for trimming, shaping and removing dead parts of the plants. These versatile tools promote healthy growth and are a must-have for any gardener, ensuring the well-being and aesthetics of your plants.
Watering Can/Garden Hose
Plants get thirsty so watering them regularly is an essential aspect of gardening. A reliable watering can or a garden hose allows you to ensure your plants receive adequate water needed for their growth, development and vitality.
Watering cans are more suitable for small-scale gardening, allowing you to target specific areas or water plant pots with ease whereas a garden hose is more practical for larger gardens.
Easy to Grow Flowers for a Beautiful Garden
With so many flowers to choose from, it can be overwhelming deciding what to plant in your garden. If you're new to the world of gardening then selecting flowers that are low-maintenance, resilient and forgiving are key to creating a stunning garden that requires minimal effort.
Below are some of our recommendations for beautiful flowers that you can grow outdoors:
• Sweet Peas • Pansies • Dahlias • Daffodils • Sunflowers • Cosmos • Geraniums • Marigols • Morning Glories • Daylilies
Each flower has its unique charm, but collectively they offer a stunning array of colours and pleasant aromas that will enhance the beauty of your garden all summer long. Delight in the delicate blooms and sweet scent of Sweet Peas, the diverse and dramatic flower forms of Dahlias, the cheerful sunshine of Daffodils, and the radiant warmth of Sunflowers.
Choose sunny spots with well-drained soil, provide regular watering and remove dead leaves for optimal growth. Follow care instructions tailored to each flower's needs to keep them healthy and thriving. In just a few short weeks, your efforts will be rewarded with a breathtaking display of blooming flowers.
We recommend planting your flowers near your outdoor seating area so you can bask in their delightful scents as you relax. And don't forget, you can bring the beauty indoors by harvesting a few blooms and creating a captivating floral arrangement that fills any room with their enchanting fragrance!
The Perfect Indoor Plants for Your Home
But what if you don't have access to a garden? No need to worry! There are plenty of plants and flowers that you can successfully grow right inside your home, even on a windowsill.
Below are some of our recommendations for beautiful plants/flowers that you can grow indoors:
• Succulents • Cacti • Peace Lily • Amaryllis • Hibiscus • Monstera • Venus Fly Trap • Orchid • African Violets • Poinsettia
Indoor plants also offer a wonderful variety of colours, shapes and scents as outdoor plants and they add beauty to our surroundings. Unlike fresh bouquets, flowering houseplants can thrive for months or even years, providing long-lasting beauty and enjoyment.
To enjoy immediate blooms, choose mature plants instead of seeds, as they can take a long time to grow. While some indoor plants may not flower indoors, they still exhibit stunning green foliage. To encourage blooming, provide adequate light (2-3 hours daily), maintain a warm environment and lightly moisten the soil.
Cacti and succulents don't need watering as often as other plants do, so remember to follow specific care instructions for each plant, ensuring their health and longevity.
Grow Your Own Fruit
Imagine stepping outside and plucking a juicy, ripe piece of fruit straight from your garden. With the right care and attention, you can create a thriving fruit garden that rewards you with the freshest, most delicious produce right at your fingertips.
Below are some of our recommendations for juicy fruit that you can grow outdoors:
• Tomatoes • Strawberries • Blueberries • Gooseberries • Apples • Raspberries • Figs • Blackcurrants • Pears • Apricots
No orchard? No problem! Even with limited space, you can still enjoy the delight of homegrown fruit. If space is limited, try growing your fruit in containers. Strawberries and blueberries grow really well in pots and can even be grown in hanging baskets!
Apple trees are one of the easiest fruits to grow as they live for a long time and are relatively maintenance free. Tomato plants can mature and start producing fruit within 60-140, depending on the variety and other environmental factors.
Grow Your Own Vegetables
From crunchy carrots to vibrant leafy greens, experience the joy of indulging in a homecooked meal crafted with your very own handpicked vegetables.
Below are some of our recommendations for vegetables that you can grow outdoors:
• Salad Leaves • Radishes • Onions • Rhubarb • Chillies • Carrots • Potatoes • Broccoli • Green Bean • Butternut Squash
Similar to fruit, veggies can be grown in small containers if space is limited and veggies like salad leaves can even be grown on a windowsill.
Among the options listed, the quickest vegetables to grow are salad leaves, radishes and green beans. These varieties typically have shorter growing seasons and are known for their fast growth rates.
Remember to wash your produce before cooking, just as you would with store-bought produce. Even though you may have grown them yourself, it's important to remove any dirt, debris or potential contaminants that could be present on the surface.
Level Up Your Surroundings
Once your garden is flourishing, it's time for a garden party! As you unwind in your thriving garden surrounded by friends and family, consider enhancing your outdoor haven with some garden essentials, from cosy garden chairs for lounging to sizzling garden BBQs for memorable gatherings. And remember to include a garden shelter to ensure your event stays rain-free!
Gardening is a therapeutic activity that helps us connect with nature. Some say homegrown fruits and veggies taste even better when you know you've grown them yourself! By following our tips and techniques, you'll be well on your way to growing a vibrant garden filled with beautiful flowers and enjoying the flavours of your own harvest with delicious fruits and fresh vegetables.
