When life seems to bog you down, turn to nature – it can heal you and what better way to get back to nature than gardening. It does not have to be anything elaborate; just a small patch of land with budding flowers that blossom under your tender care or fresh vegetables taking shape. The very sight can make you feel amazing. If this is not the ultimate way to beat stress, don't know what is. Here are 6 handy gardening tips to help you along.

Pick Plants

If a vegetable garden is what you have in mind, then pick green veggies that are easy to grow such as carrot, lettuce and spinach. Herbs such as sage and mint are also a good choice. They not only add great flavor to the food, but can also be grown indoors with minimal care. Choose native plants, which are suited to the local soil and easily adapt to the climate.

Garden Structure

You can either have your plants set in rows or in small grids. Make a rough sketch on paper and use a hand trowel or hoe to carve out a shallow trench. Observe your plan carefully and try executing it. You can ask your friend with an interest in gardening to help you out. You do not necessarily have to organize your garden in any specific order. Let your imagination take the lead and sow the seeds wherever you desire and see how it turns out.

Watering and Temperature

The ideal time to water your plant is the beginning of the day, so that the excess water gets soaked up by the sun. The amount of water the plants need will depend on the garden size, soil type and the climate. Avoid overwatering your herbs. Judge whether your herbs need watering based on the weight of the pot or dryness of the soil. Make sure to add vermiculite to the container for better drainage.

Fertilizer

Try using organic fertilizer to make your garden eco-friendly. Organic fertilizer suits almost all types of soils and greatly enhances their nutritive quality. To get rid of the pesky pests in your garden, try sticking to natural remedies. Garlic chili spray, baking soda and sticky traps can do the trick.

Pick the Right Tools

Pick the best tools that you can afford. Don't try to cut expenses here, a cheap quality tool won't last you a year, doubling your expenses. The five basic tools that you will need include:

•    Fork
•    Spade
•    Pruners
•    Trowel
•    Hand weeding tool

You need to take optimum care of the tools, to make sure it lasts longer.

Invest In a Gardening Book

There are too many details to consider when it comes to gardening, from which seeds to sow, what tools to invest in and the right fertilizer to use. It pays to invest in a basic gardening book that can update you on all the intricacy involved. Make sure the book is not too complicated, offers you the information you are looking for in simple terms.

Simple steps on your side can go a long way in creating the garden of your dream.