Gardening is one of the most popular weekend activities for residents of the UK. The home garden first appeared in Britain during Roman times when people required supplemental food for their survival. Of course, few folks actually need a home garden nowadays. Most people grow fruit and vegetables simply because they finding it relaxing and rewarding. In this article we are going to discuss the most basic and important element of gardening—the soil.

It goes almost without saying that the better the soil, the better the garden will grow. Gardens that have superior soil not only produce larger and fresher tasting fruits and vegetable, they also yield more of them. But even good soil needs some help.

The easiest way to improve the balance and water-holding capacity of soil is to add organic material to it. Manure, old leaves or compost are the preferred materials of expert gardeners. In fact, many of them keep their own compost heaps in the backyard for this very purpose. (more...)

Some people garden because they love flowers. They love weeding, hoeing and planting, and then reaping the rewards of seeing the flowers in bloom. It sure takes a lot of effort, but it is worth it.

Others see the garden as a more functional place, an extension of their living room where they can sip a glass of cold wine and relax on luxury wooden garden furniture. They spend as much time out there as they can in the Summer, entertaining friends with barbecues or just topping up the tan.

Many families with kids see the garden as an extension of the playroom. Somewhere for the children to let off steam and get some fresh air. A place for a slide and a tree-house. There is something amazing in watching the kids running around outside, playing tig and just being themselves. (more...)