Gardeners can be classified in four gardening categories.

The first would be the uninterested category. Besides the weeds that can grow without any care, these people have an old, rusty car carcase rotting in the yard and a mean dog tied to the porch. Obviously, they don’t spend any time gardening.

The maintenance category is second. This category is for people who spend only enough time in the garden to keep the grass mowed and the most obvious weeds pulled. During the growing season, people in this category would spend between four and eight hours a week in the yard.

Gardeners belong in the next category. They have a good interest in making the yard look good and to make sure their plants are healthy and growing in the right conditions. They know the names of at least their favorite plants and when they notice a plant they like, they’ll find out what it is and where to get it for themselves. They are interested in keeping their plants healthy and are not afraid to spend the time or money it takes to accomplish that. They spend an average of eight to fifteen hours gardening every week.

The last category is for the garden enthusiast. These individuals have a long list of plants they have in their garden, or are interested in growing. They know the common names and a lot of botanical names for their plants and may even give special names to favorite plants themselves. They use a variety of favorite fertilizers, pest controls, and tender loving care to keep the landscape and each plant in it looking great. They may be members of garden clubs and enjoy reading gardening books, catalogues and magazines. They spend at least fifteen hours in the garden every week.

So, which category fits you. I would be surprised if you could classify yourself in the first two categories since you’re reading this article. It’s not easy to be a serious gardener but an interest in plants can grow into something much bigger, much better. Soon the neighbors will be commenting about your lovely yard, but the real joy comes in the satisfaction you get from a little time improving your surroundings! You’ll soon know what it takes to grow healthy plants. However, I hate to break it to you, but no one knows everything about gardening. That’s why I like being a Horticulturist, there is always something else to learn about. Let me give a few pointers on how to be a competent, clever, capable gardener.

1. Be Creative. To prepare to have a successful garden, plan carefully! However, be ready or willing to change your mind at any time from the planning stages to planting.
2. Be Confident. Since no one knows everything about gardening, experience in the garden will teach a lot of lessons that can’t be found any other way. It helps to read, ask questions, and study all you want, but practical experience is the best teacher. Just remember two things… Seeds are cheap! and Gardening is an experiment.
3. Be Careful. When planting seed or transplanting seedlings, handle with care! Plant deep enough but not too deep and plan to give your plants enough room to perform their best.
4. Be Concerned. Are your plants happy? Watch for the first signs of problems and don’t wait to apply controls. Feed your plants regularly.
5. Be Constant. A gardener’s work is never done! However, the work won’t be overwhelming if you visit the garden regularly. A little work done regularly prevents a lot of work done infrequently.
6. Be Content. Even though success in the garden takes a lot of time and effort, you’ll realize the rewards are more than worth it. In fact gardening is a great way to unwind and relieve stress.