How many of us remember being kids, running around the yard, with the earth under bare feet, and the wind in our hair? Well, it is possible to regain that feeling as an adult, and it feels just as good! Maybe it is time to reacquaint yourself with the beautiful outdoors, and the feeling of freedom. Maybe it is time to get into gardening.

If you are just starting to get into gardening, it's best to start small. A tidy plant bed of 25 to 30 square feet is best, with room for about 30 plants. This will give you a chance to exercise your green thumb without facing a huge project that leaves you feeling overwhelmed. If, after your first season, you realize that you really love gardening, you can always increase your garden size and your plantings next year.

It is crucial to choose a good site for planting. Where your yard is located will drive most of the decision, but hopefully you can plant somewhere that gets more than six hours of good sunlight a day. Avoid large trees with big roots, as they can use up the garden's nutrients and water. Also, try to keep your plot at least 3 feet away from fences or buildings.

In hot climates, try to choose an area that will provide your garden with shade from some of the intense afternoon sun. Healthy gardens can certainly grow with more or less direct sunlight, but you may have to be flexible with the variety of plants that you choose. Finally, a site with good soil is best, although the quality and condition of the soil can always be improved. It's advisable to avoid areas with rocky soil, steep slopes or poor drainage.

After you've chosen the location, it's time for the real fun to begin: when you can dig in and really get into gardening. This is not a clean hobby, so prepare to get a little dirt under your nails. First, you're going to need to remove any rocks, debris, weeds and grass from your garden plot, and then use a spade or pitchfork to dig down about one foot deep. Mix in compost or minerals if required, and level the dirt. If your soil is too acidic, add lime; if it's too sandy, add peat moss. When you add in the proper fertilizer, your plants will thrive in either neutral or acidic soil.

Planting time is here now that your garden plot is well-prepared. You can either use seeds, or start with tiny already growing plants. The second option is more expensive, but will allow you to visualize the completed garden more easily. If you do use plants, choose ones with healthy green leaves and stems, and make sure roots are healthy. Don't purchase plants with yellowed leaves.

Take a bit of care in where you plant. For example, place larger plants at the rear, and smaller plants at the front of the bed. Something crucial is planting when the weather is correct. Be sure to plant after the risk of frost has ended, especially for tender plants. Read the seed package if you are using seeds, as they provide information about when to plant and how to properly position the seeds.

To thrive, your plants need regular attention and care from you. Watering is essential for their maintenance. With a small garden, such as on a balcony or a container garden on your patio, watering by hand with a watering can is easy enough. But a larger garden will need a hose to get enough water to the plants each week. Don't water every day, but when you do, make sure the roots are adequately soaked. Don't just sprinkle the surface lightly with a spray nozzle.

Watering is most effective early in the morning when the temperature is still cool. Watering during the hot afternoon sun is a waste of money, as the moisture evaporates before it reaches the root systems. Watering in the late afternoon or evening can cause moisture to stay on your plants all night, creating mildew and disease. Knowing how often to water depends entirely on the types of plants you've chosen. Most require about an inch a week. During hot spells, your plants should be watered three times a week.

Finally, use mulch or compost as natural protection and weed control for your garden. Adding just a few inches of organic mulch will keep the roots cool, greatly improve the fertility of your plants, and help the soil to retain moisture. Wood chips, grass clippings, manure, leaves, and pine needles can all be used as mulch.

Once you get into gardening, you'll wonder why on earth you haven't done it till now. Aside from the absolute joy you'll feel from harvesting your own delicious vegetables and beautiful flowers, you'll remember just how much you've missed the wind and the earth. You'll feel like a kid again.