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Gardening is a hobby that many people enjoy, and it can be a great way to spend time outside. It also has the potential for making you money if you grow your own food to sell at farmers markets or other venues. If you’re interested in learning more about gardening skills , where should you start? I’ll share some of my favorite resources for learning about gardening skills and techniques in this blog post.

Formal education

There are now an increasing number of formal courses available that deal with the practical aspects of gardening. These include general gardening, organic growing, or permaculture. There is a lot to be said for getting your hands dirty and learning from experienced gardeners who have been there and done it before you.

Self-taught

It can be very satisfying to learn how to garden by experience but not to waste time and money on growing plants that do not suit you, take advice from others, both professionals and other gardeners.

Talk to friends and neighbors

Those close by often share knowledge about local conditions such as soil type, light levels, hardiness zones etc., (usually without even realizing it. If local to others, you can often learn a lot by simply watching and talking to other gardeners. They may welcome the company as much as the advice.

Self-education books

There are numerous excellent gardening guides on the market but it is worth noting that amateur authors’ experiences have been gleaned not only from personal experience but also from seeking advice from professional gardeners when their own expertise failed them.

A good book should give extensive suggestions for plant choices along with details of how to grow specific plants in your selected area – soil and climate as well as hardiness zone. It should also provide useful tips and information about pest control or maintenance, particularly covering those aspects specific to your area – such information will save you time and money.

Magazines and catalogues can be found in most newsagents, garden shops or libraries. They will show pictures of water features complete with full instructions on how to make them and supply everything you need from the materials to the plants for that particular feature. These areas are a good place for ideas but it may be advisable to have an idea as well as this before ordering one so that when it arrives, you feel confident about making your own version.

Speak to other people who have installed water features – they will often advise freely on what works best without wanting any payment! If there is more than one thing involved here, such as a pond with fish in it, then get advice first on whether you want to go ahead with it all.

You may find some local garden shops to be very expensive – others much cheaper for the same thing. Shop around until you can feel confident in what is good value. Join a local plant or wildlife group for free advice and information on where and when to buy cheap plants that are commonly available at certain times of the year.

This is a great place to get expert information about the local conditions such as soil type, light levels and hardiness zones. There are numerous garden forums available online that provide very useful, practical advice and tips on what does and doesn’t work in your location.

Internet

The Internet is becoming an increasingly popular place for finding out all sorts of things from gardening tips to where you can find cheap plants – also chat-rooms, where experienced gardeners can give, advise but it is far too easy just to print things off without checking that they are valid or even accurate. The Internet may be a good idea if you want a quick answer but beware of using sites whose main purpose is advertising, often companies make up their own ‘facts’ justifying costly equipment, and you may not get an unbiased opinion.

If you’re the type of person who enjoys being outside and getting their hands dirty, learning how to garden might be perfect for you. Learning the basics can get your thumbs greener than ever before! While there are many places where people learn gardening skills online (such as on YouTube), one of the best ways is through community gardens or classes in your area. These will provide more personalized instruction, often at a much lower cost than an online course.