Gardening can reward you in more ways than one. For some it's a therapeutic activity while for others their outdoor space is one big project, constantly evolving with the seasons.
For older citizens tending to the garden is also a great form of exercise and a popular pastime that can be enjoyed with friends during the week. Your garden can also provide you with a great source of organic food, so with spring round the corner now is the ideal time to start preparing a plot with a view to growing your own veg for the year ahead.
At this time of year why not try some easy-to-grow vegetables and herbs.
The nutritional value of potatoes is often overlooked but they hold plenty of niacin, hiamine, sodium and phosphorous, all of which are essential parts of a balanced diet. In your first garden try planting a few small, organic potatoes and see how you do. Perennial herbs like sage and thyme should also feature in your spring garden as they are easy to grow and will return year after year.
In late spring you can start looking to grow tomatoes, summer squash and green beans; before you know it you'll have a varied source of natural ingredients in your own back garden.
If you'd like to attract birds to your garden then invest in a bird bath in time for summer; birds will need to keep hydrated and wash the dust from their feathers, so providing a water source is a great way to keep them flocking back to your garden instead of the neighbours. Alternatively birds will be just as appreciative of a water feature, with which you will have the added benefit of not only enticing wildlife from the sky but from across your garden. As long as it is properly maintained you could also introduce a suitable species of fish into your pond for some extra colour.
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