What Is Gardening, And What Types of Gardening

The decoration of public or private spaces is the most frequent use given to gardening.

We can define gardening as the set of practices and techniques aimed at cultivating gardens, whether of food species such as vegetables and fruits or purely aesthetic species such as those that provide flowers attractive for their color.

However, cultivating vegetables for food is more related to agricultural practice, whether on a small or large scale. At the same time, gardening is associated to a greater degree with the ornamentation of private and public buildings, even in residential environments. Large scale, such as avenues, road corridors, and highways.

Throughout history, human interest in gardening has been demonstrated to such an extent that its development is not alien to the customs and cultures of the five continents.

the classification of gardening

In the classification of gardening, we can find interior gardening intended for internal spaces of houses or buildings and even apartments where the appropriate use of species adapted to small spaces is warranted.

Park gardening is developed in larger spaces where various species of plants and trees of greater size and display can be displayed.

In oriental gardening, the cultivation of bonsai stands out. Although its origin lies in China, it is deeply rooted in Japan and is characterized by the care of small species that deserve great care and dedication for their conservation.

In traditional gardening, a variety of species are adapted to the climates of the country or region where it is developed, and it stands out for the planting of native species that are typical of the place.
Many countries have so-called botanical gardens, spaces for the preservation of typical flora or that of other nations. They are generally deployed on large plots of land or hectares and are useful for studying specimens and healthy outdoor recreation.

The gardens are a kind of ecological center, generators of oxygen, where in addition to preserving botanical species, they also serve as an ecosystem for different types of wildlife and insects in constant interaction.

What Function Do Indoor Plants Have?

A well-kept outdoor garden provides an unimaginable well-being and invites us to enjoy the good weather. On the other hand, indoor plants benefit the environment and our health. All corners of the planet are affected by pollution from cars, industries, shopping centers, chemicals… Your home is no exception. Apart from decorating, plants absorb CO2 and release oxygen, reduce the temperature of the environment (ideal for summer heat), and clean the air of polluting substances.

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At home, we usually have several elements that, although it may not seem so, are harmful to our health, as they contain harmful particles. Some of these components are formaldehyde, present in chipboard or pressed wood products, upholstery materials, and carpets; benzene and xylene, present in rubbers, inks, oils, plastics, and paints; trichloroethylene, present in cleaning liquids, varnishes, and adhesives; and, finally, carbon monoxide, present in the combustion of engines, firewood, and gas and tobacco smoke. These highly polluting components produce negative effects on our health, such as irritation of the eyes, throat, and nose, migraines, allergic reactions, respiratory problems, skin diseases, loss of appetite, drowsiness, and, in the worst case, they can lead to the formation of cancer.

How To Start A Gardening Business

Now that there is no doubt about the viability of this type of venture, it is time to get into the matter. We will see eight steps explaining how to start a gardening business. We will discuss your planning, services, equipment, procedures, and other factors in detail. Let us begin!

Gardening business plan

The first step is to prepare a business plan in which all the actions to start the venture are recorded and organized. As well as for its management, administration, and fulfillment of objectives. To do this, the following elements must be included in the document:

Description of the business idea

 It is necessary to detail the most relevant aspects of the company. That is, characteristics, activities, and services offered for a general overview. As well as to more accurately define the focus of the gardening business.

Market research

Here, an in-depth study of the market and its dynamics is carried out. To plan strategies and identify opportunities and threats. In addition, it is necessary to analyze consumers, considering characteristics such as age, gender, occupation, purchasing habits, etc. And thus establish the profile of the ideal client or “buyer persona.”

Marketing plan

Includes promotion strategies in traditional and digital media. Likewise, the marketing objectives, communication channels, and implementation budget are defined there.

Financial evaluation

Here, the initial investment budget for starting the business is specified. Also, fixed operational costs are projected, and profitability, economic viability, and expected profits are estimated.

Staff

To work with different gardening business specialties, you must train personnel. Initially, three people will be enough to carry out the basic and most in-demand tasks on the market. Therefore, make sure to incorporate the following charges:

Gardener

 In charge of planting, watering, and other functions related to the maintenance of the gardens.

Landscaper

This is the professional in charge of designing gardens for interiors and exteriors.

Pruner

 A person responsible for pruning and cleaning trees, plants, and flowers.

Legal procedures

Legally establishing the gardening business is a very important step in the process. Well, this will guarantee being able to operate without complications and will provide credibility to customers. Even so, the procedures and requirements to legalize a company vary depending on the laws of each country.

Therefore, it is important to seek advice from the organizations and institutions that regulate the registration of new businesses. In many cases, these are usually city councils, chambers of commerce, and ministries.

However, there are a series of common aspects and procedures that must be taken into account when creating a gardening company; among them we have:

Choose a legal structure

As a natural person or legal entity. The first refers to sole proprietorships, and the second includes all types of companies.

 Prepare the statutes and articles of incorporation

The documentation includes the number of partners, their responsibilities, and contributions. As well as the business’s economic activity, location, and legal representative.

Register the business name

First, you must verify that the business name is available and then pay the corresponding amount for registration.

Registration in the Commercial Registry

It is carried out so that the business can carry out its activity and publicly prove that it is an active commercial establishment.

Process licenses and permits

Every gardening business must have an activity and opening license to validate its suitability. Also, it is necessary to have land use permits. These licenses and permits depend on whether the company will have premises or only work at home.…

Planting Tips and Techniques

Choose the place where our plants will be planted: pot or garden.

The choice of one or the other will determine the number of plants we can have and their size (herbaceous, vines, shrubs, trees). To plant and transplant in a pot, you must consider the plant species and its requirements related to the number of hours of sun, irrigation, and substrate. For example, some species are in full sun, and others will not. Furthermore, due to their characteristics, some species are not suitable for growing in a pot.

Select the pots and clean them.

There are different types of materials: plastic, ceramic, clay, etc. Most importantly, the size is appropriate and perforated at the base to allow proper drainage and prevent the roots from rotting. Some are already drilled, and others have to be drilled (if they are made of plastic, by slightly heating the tip of a knife, nail, or screwdriver, we can do it without problems).

Prepare the substrate for planting.

The substrate not only allows a correct anchoring of the plant, but it is also where the necessary nutrients are taken to develop healthily. Find the soil mixture that best suits what the plant needs. It is recommended that the substrate be composed of fertile soil, perlite, and vermiculite.

Transplant.

It consists of moving the plant from a smaller container to a pot that will be its definitive place. When doing this procedure, it is important that the plant suffers as little as possible. It is recommended to do it when there is no direct exposure to the sun. The steps are as follows: Add about 2 cm. of vermiculite or pebble at the pot’s base, remove the seedling from its container along with its soil, place it in the pot, and complete it with the substrate.

To plant on a patio or garden

In this type of space, we can opt for larger plants. The availability of sun, water, and substrate must be considered. If you buy the plant locally, ask the seller what conditions the plant needs to grow healthy. You can also find this information online by searching for the plant’s name. Some plants are in the autumn-winter season, and others are in the spring-summer season, but some adapt to temperature variations.

Prepare the ground.

Before planting or transplanting, it is recommended to prepare the soil: this activity consists of softening the soil a little with tools such as spades or shovels to aerate it, and, if possible, it is recommended to fertilize it, adding 3 kg. of compost per m2 of land.

Make a hole and insert the plant.

The size of the plant will be what defines the hole size that will have to be made. Remember that the plant must be buried up to the part where the roots join the stems. We suggest making a hole that measures more or less twice the size of the soil pan that comes with the plant. Place the plant in the hole and place a small layer of compost around it. Press with your hands and water. If you use seeds, remember that the seed must be deposited at a depth equivalent to 1½ of its diameter. Covering the soil with mulch is advisable to prevent soil erosion and retain moisture. It is made up of organic matter of plant origin, such as dry leaves and dry grass, although good results are also achieved with wood shavings (except pine or eucalyptus wood). This mulch will eventually be incorporated into the soil as a natural fertilizer.

What tools can you use to plant a plant?

  • Transplanter: It will help you make the holes faster and easier. It has a plastic handle and a wide blade.
  • Gardening shovel (can be wide or pointed): With this tool, you can move larger amounts of soil faster, making your task easier.
  • Other useful tools are the rake, the spade, and the pruning shears.

Gardening Equipment: Basics And Techniques

Gardening without the right equipment is like cooking without utensils: possible but much more complicated.

Whatever the gardening equipment, it must be chosen according to need and strength. But it must also be your size to limit effort and avoid pain and injuries. For example, a rake will hurt your back if it forces you to bend down to get a good grip on the handle or pruning shears will give you blisters if they aren’t the size of your hand. Or, a watering can will wear you out if it is too heavy for you once full! So, equip yourself intelligently to get the most out of your tools.

Gardening equipment for working the soil

To aerate the earth, turn it over (in moderation, always!), get rid of weeds, or even harvest your crops. Solid and fairly heavy gardening equipment will be your ally to increase your strength and efforts.

Grelinette

The must-have to aerate your soil effortlessly is the grelinette (also called organic fork or aerator)! It is a large fork with two wooden handles planted in the ground to turn it over and decompact it. The grelinette allows you to use the weight of your entire body to lift the earth rather than the muscles in your back. With it, say goodbye to early-season aches and hello to the simplicity of this beautiful invention!

Use

Stand up on the central bar and lean back, holding on to the sleeves to lift the earth. You don’t have to turn it completely upside down. This is simply a matter of breaking up the clumps so that the roots of your future plants can go deep into the ground to recover the necessary nutrients and water.

Work backward, planting approximately every 30cm in parallel lines. You can also use it in a specific location. For example, you must dig a hole for a tree, and your soil is not loose enough.

Weeder

The weeder is a good way to remove weeds from the ground without bending over if you are the type to spend time in your garden, of course, regularly.

Use

Pass the weeder at the base of the weed to cut the root. Since it no longer has leaves, it will not have the energy to grow back. The technique is effective when the grass is still quite young. You must, therefore, take the time to apply it regularly to the base of your plants for optimal results.

The weeder allows you to get rid of unwanted people little by little, without any chemicals or bending down.

Spade, shovel, and fork

The spade, shovel, and fork are a classic trio of gardening equipment that will allow you to dig your holes and remove stones from the ground. But also, for the spade, aerate the soil in small areas and dig up underground plants (potatoes, parsnips, etc.).

Use of gardening equipment

Choose your gardening equipment according to your needs. For example, digging holes with a shovel, digging plants with a fork, or cutting roots with a spade. In all cases, the operation is the same. Just push it in with your foot so it’s deep enough. Then, keeping your back straight and your foot on the tool, make a lever movement to lift the earth and recover what you discover (stones, potatoes, pirate treasure, etc.).

These tools will also allow you to turn your compost if you have one and to uproot large weeds or small well-rooted plants. In short, all three will find their place in your daily life as a gardener.…

Garden Care And Maintenance Techniques

Garden care and maintenance techniques are very varied. Depending on the type of work the specialist gardener wants, or the garden’s needs, some particular ones may apply.

Let’s see the most popular techniques for maintaining gardens and green areas.

Headless

This garden care and maintenance technique is applied to extend the flowering time of a plant.

What gardeners who put this technique into practice do is cut the stems of the plants that have already finished their flowering cycle and are generating seeds.

By removing these stems, the plant is forced to generate new flowers in search of new seeds, allowing it to flower for a longer period. Although it is not applied to plants in all types of gardens, it is a very popular practice.

Budding

Disbudding is one of the most important pruning techniques for the growth of fruit trees, although it is also done with other types of plants.

When applying this technique, a specialized gardener cuts the side branches of a stem so that the plant’s energy is concentrated on the growth of the main shoot.

By disbudding, you can rejuvenate the plant and give it more height. Some of the plants that are treated with this technique are chrysanthemums, dahlias, and carnations.

Forced

With this technique, some species of plants can flower at times when they normally would not.

Gardeners or garden maintenance companies force by simulating changes in the temperature and the degree of light the plant receives. The procedure consists of generating an artificial winter, subjecting the plants to low temperatures in dark spaces, and then bringing them to normal conditions where they will be forced to flower.

Padding

Mulching protects the soil where the plant is located from any negative effects that excess rainfall may generate.

To carry out this garden care and maintenance technique, you have to generate a layer on the land where our plant is planted, for which organic and inorganic material is used.

What is usually used for mulching is tree bark, straw, compost, grass clippings, and gravel, among other materials.

These four garden care and maintenance techniques are not the only ones that exist, but they are good starters if you are interested in developing your gardening skills.

What is it, and how do you do garden maintenance?

Garden maintenance is an activity carried out to maintain plants’ health and aesthetic harmony in a public or private space. Garden and park maintenance companies generally carry it out.

Although it is a specialized activity, anyone can learn and practice gardening. You can learn everything you need with our tips and a little practice!

We can separate the care and maintenance of gardens into two parts with the same level of importance. On the one hand, there is the conservation of gardens, and on the other, there is the restoration of gardens.

To carry out garden maintenance, you need to have basic knowledge about gardening tools and techniques, plant care, and the problems that usually arise in a garden, among other things.

Garden care and maintenance tasks

The task of a gardener is to maintain the health and beauty of the plants in a garden. Sounds easy, right?

The truth is that garden maintenance service can be a little more complex than it sounds, and depending on the garden’s needs, it may require certain tasks in particular.

These are some of the tasks performed in a garden work plan.

  • Garden design
  • Planting trees, flowers, and plants
  • Lawn cleaning
  • Weed control
  • pest control
  • Pruning and felling trees or plants
  • Installation and programming of irrigation systems
  • Soil fertilization for plants and grass