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Real Estate Advertorial Homeowners enjoy gardening for many different reasons. In addition to adding beauty to a property, gardens can offset grocery costs by yielding tasty produce. They also offer important habitats and food sources for both insects and animals. While growing a vegetable or flower gar- den can turn into a rewarding hobby, or even a passion, gardening also can be overwhelming -- particularly when the results are less than stellar. Novice gar- deners have scores of resources at their disposal, including the advice of garden- ers who have made mistakes and learned from them. The following guidance can make home gardens that much more suc- cessful. 1. Start small: You may have visions of an expansive garden growing rows of crops or acres of flowers. But it is smart to start small and build on what you find successful, which includes plants that thrive in your lawn and garden. This also is beneficial if you are unsure of vegetable yields. Several blooming plants producing bushels of crops can be overwhelming, especially if you can't get to harvesting or cooking them in a timely fashion. 2. Assess the soil: Plants need nutrient- rich soil to encourage extensive root sys- tems and produce strong, hardy plants, according to the gardening resource GrowVeg. Nourish soil with organic mat- ter, such as manure, compost, shredded leaves, and natural mulch. Add this or- ganic matter in the off-season to give it enough time to be incorporated into the ground before spring. You can have your soil tested for pH and other character- istics that make it friendly or averse to plants at a local garden centre. 3. Arm yourself with knowledge: Do you know how deeply to plant seeds and how far apart to space plants? Are you aware of the sunlight needs of certain flowers or plants? If not, read the packaging and do your research so your plants have the best chance of not only sprouting, but also surviving. Many people prefer to start seedlings indoors in late winter and then transfer those plants outdoors when they are stronger and more established. 4. Sit in your yard and observe: Watch the way the sunlight dances over areas of your landscape. Take note of which areas get the most sun and shade. This will help you plan what to plant and where to plant it. Vegetable gardens tend to need ample sunlight to bear pick-worthy produce. You can give plants a leg up by growing them in optimal conditions. 5. Choose hardy varieties: Certain plants have been bred to thrive in your climate, including heat-tolerant plants for climates with sweltering summer sun. Consult with a local gardening centre to figure out which plant zone you are in and which plants will do best within that zone. 6. Use rainwater: Rainwater contains fewer contaminants and additives than tap water, which can benefit garden plants. Collect rainwater in rain barrels and use irrigation systems to deliver it to the garden. Home gardens can yield many gifts, from flowers to fruit. Beginners can utilize some time-tested strategies to increase their chances of planting a successful garden.(MCC) Tips for how to grow a more successful garden 19 | O akville B eaver | T hursday,M ay 19,2022 insidehalton.com Bob Watson, C.P.A. Sales Representative OFFICE 905.825.7777 www.oakvillebythelake.com Large (1250 Sq Ft) Condo Bungalow Townhome, 2 Bdrms, 3 Full Baths, Renovated Eat-in Kitchen, 4 Season Sunroom, Main floor Laundry, Inside Entry to Garage. Finished Basement with Rec. Room, Den, 3 Pce Bath, Lots of Storage. Short walk to Fabulous"Members Only" Clubhouse. For more Info or to book a viewing please call Barbara or Bob at 289-567-0480. OPEN HOUSE SAT/SUN 2 to 4 PM 4116 Boysenberry Court,Vineland NEW LISTING Sue Wheeler Sales Representative 905-483-0173 • 905-825-7777 www.suewheeler.ca • sue@suewheeler.ca @SueWheelerRealtor 2014-2021 2020 2021 2151 Walker's line,Burlington Pride of ownership shines throughout this beautiful condo townhouse in Millcroft, backing ravine/woods. Privacy, tranquility and nature at your doorstep! Open concept grd floor. 3 BR's, 4 BA's. Basement walk-out. Small complex. Please call or email for more details. ne W lis tin g Hitting Mls tHursDaY 248 WYnForD PlaCe,oakVille Don't delay! ThisExtensively updated home could be yours located on rarely available quiet cul de sac backing woods., in super family friendly neighbourhood in Bronte. Great location, close to walking trails,parks, trendy Bronte Harbour, Shell Park, shopping, highway, public transit & more. 3 BR'S, 2 BA'S. Finished basement. Lush hdwd t/o 2nd lvl.Asking $1,299,000.00. Please call or email for more information. TK CELL 905.399.9544 OFFICE 905.844.5000 wilma@wilmafournier.com wilmafournier.com Chance of a lifetime to own a spacious townhouse overlooking Millcroft golf course. Well presented 2 plus one, 4 bath, double car garage. $877,777 Beautifully renovated 3 bed, 3 bath home with garage 2 expensive gas fireplaces,gourmet kitchen, gorgeous flooring ,expensive professional finished basement guest quarters with bar , bedroom and spa bathroom. 5 mins walk to best rated school ok Oakville, catchment for best rated high school. 5 mins to Qew and 403 7 mins to Go train.Will sell very fast. $877,777 ( flex closing) Amazing price for a 3 bed bungalow in prestigious S/E Newly decorated fantastic investment potential. Best school district in Oakville Mins to Qew, 403 and Go station. $1347,777 Holy golf balls!!! Run to the phone!! Rare S/E Bungalow, Oakville TOP 1% FOR CANADA 198 Glenashton Drive Finally! A Real Price! Only $1,077,777 for over 2000 sqft of total living space in one of the best school catchments of the province; upgraded and well maintained home, just move in and enjoy!