What are the best garden tools for beginners?

Essential garden tools for beginners include a quality trowel, pruning shears, garden fork, rake, and watering can. We recommend starting with ergonomic tools from brands like Fiskars, Felco, and Corona for comfort and durability.

How do I start composting at home?

Start composting by choosing a bin suitable for your space, adding a mix of green materials (kitchen scraps) and brown materials (leaves, cardboard) in a 1:3 ratio, keeping the pile moist, and turning it regularly for aeration. Hot composting produces finished compost in 4-8 weeks.

What is the best soil for raised garden beds?

The ideal raised bed soil mix follows the 40/40/20 golden ratio: 40% topsoil, 40% compost, and 20% aeration material like perlite or vermiculite. This provides excellent drainage, nutrients, and root development for vegetables and flowers.

How do I set up drip irrigation?

Set up drip irrigation by installing a backflow preventer, pressure regulator (15-30 PSI), and filter at your water source. Lay main line tubing to garden beds, then install emitters 2-4 inches from plant stems. Run the system for 30-60 minutes 2-3 times per week.

Are rain barrels worth it?

Yes, rain barrels are worth it. A single inch of rain on a 1,000 square foot roof yields over 600 gallons of free water. Rain barrels reduce water bills by 30-50% during growing season and provide chlorine-free water that plants prefer.

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