THE FORT ERIE PUBLIC LIBRARY HELPS YOU GARDEN BY THE BOOK

READ UP ON SOME TIPS TO GET GROWING, ASHLEY DUNK WRITES

We are quickly approaching the new planting season!

Greenhouses are bustling, garden centres are packed. Everyone is talking about the vegetable garden they are going to be putting in or tending to their flower gardens. With the upcoming long weekend, it's an ideal time to start your garden. Did you know there are many benefits to gardento ing?

It's a great way to get some exercise. While it may not seem like a workout, gardening is a great way to tone muscles. The bending, lifting, shovelling and raking are easy ways to exercise. Working in a garden uses many muscle groups. That's why after a long gardening session, you may wake up with a sore back! Another positive side effect is gardening helps to promote better sleep, courtesy of all the fresh air and exercise.

If you're looking to reduce some stress in your life, gardening may be a good place start. Not only does spending time outside in the fresh air help boost your mood, but being able to focus on an activity is helpful in temporarily shifting your attention from stressful periods in your life. Gardening is a useful way to slow down and focus on something you can control.

Gardening also helps to develop a sense of community and the opportunity to spend time with loved ones. People who garden love to come together to share ideas, and tips along with seeds and plants. Joining as a community to work on communal or personal gardens encourages socialization and sharing common interests. Encouraging children and other family members to participate in gardening is a way to spend quality time together outside and work together toward a common goal.

Are you looking for resources on where to start with your garden? Check out some books at your local library!

For beginners, a good place to start may be checking out "How To Cheat At Gardening And Yard Work: Shameless Tricks For

Growing Radically Simple Flowers, Veggies, Lawns, Landscaping, And More" by Jeff Bredenberg. This book offers timesaving tips and tricks to help you to build a beautiful garden without breaking the bank or your back.

If you're looking to make the most out of your garden, even in the smallest of spaces, you may want to borrow "Thrifty Gardening: From The Ground Up" by Marjorie Harris. Whether you're downsizing, container gardening, or have a small footprint for your garden, it is possible to create a beautiful and bountiful garden and this book offers tips on how to maximize your space.

Place your holds on these books and more for helpful tips on setting up your garden.

Ashley Dunk is the children and teen librarian at the Fort Erie Public Library. She enjoys romance books and camping with her dog. She can be reached at adunk@fepl.ca.