In the world of gardening, there are plenty of great resources available to both new and experienced gardeners alike. There are many classes, e-guides, books, videos, magazines, and other resources available. This set of tips contains some of the best advice for helping a good gardener become a great gardener.

Selecting bulbs. Most bulbs are sold during their dormant period. Buy them as early as possible before they start to produce roots. Most spring flowering bulbs will begin to grow roots by early fall, and by planting them early, you will ensure that they have time to establish themselves. Bulbs will deteriorate if kept out of the ground too long. Don't buy any bulb that is soft or mushy, or appears to be diseased.

Having healthy soil in your garden is your number one defense against pests! Healthy plants grown in robust and enriched soil have an advantage in fighting pest infestation. Starting with soil that is in good condition can yield the best plants.

Before planting anything, clean up as much as possible the area where you plan on having flowers or any other delicate plants. Remove all the weeds and the grass if you think it is necessary. Your flowers should not have any competitors for the nutrients they need while they grow.

If you have a wall or fence that you do not like, plant climbers to mask its appearance. These versatile plants can grow over fences to enhance the fence's appearance. Often, climbers grow quickly, so you'll get the effect you want by the time the season changes. They can be trained to grow over an arbor, or through trees and shrubs that are already in the garden. Some climbers will attach themselves to a support using twining stems or tendrils, while other varieties need to be held up by tying them in place. Honeysuckle and jasmine are very beautiful varieties of such climbers.

Take the time to know your soil. Get it analyzed. This will let you know what is in your soil and in what areas the soil may be deficient. You can then buy the missing nutrients to add into your soil which will help maximize your crops! Many local universities that have agriculture departments have the ability to test your soil for a small fee.

To make sure your garden looks great from season to season, plan ahead. Make sure your garden includes both annuals, biennials, and perennials so that you can always count on something blooming. Before you plant any flower, think about what you want for your garden in the next year or two.

To grow great potatos, plant the spuds in burlap bags. Simply fill the bag with soil, plant the buds, and let it rest in your garden. This method of growing gives the spuds better air flow, and allows for excellent drainage. This is also a great way to grow potatoes if your garden is lacking in room.

Pest control is one of the hardest things about growing a vegetable garden. It is wise to limit the use of harsh chemicals, because the vegetables will be eaten. The key to keeping garden pests at bay is to be relentless. If you catch them early, you can take them off the plants by hand.

After reading these tips, you can begin to understand what it takes to become a great gardener. There is a lot of information to learn and you need to know how to apply it. With this in mind, you can refine your own strategies and goals to help you grow and maintain beautiful gardens.