Gardening can be a great pastime that can really pay off. Imagine the looks on your guests' faces when they realize that the meal that they are eating came directly from your own backyard garden! To that end, we've created this article to help you learn more about ways to get your garden growing to its full potential.

- When watering your garden, it's best to do it early in the morning or in the early evening. More of the water is absorbed due to the fact that evaporation isn't as prevalent when the sun isn't shining with its full intensity.

- Are bugs a problem with your garden? Few people realize that there are plants that you can grow that will help you to ward off pesky insects. If ants are attacking your garden, try planting mint, tansy, or pennyroyal nearby. These herbs have chemical defenses that cause the ants to stay away. If slugs are chowing down on your garden, plant either prostrate rosemary or wormwood nearby.

- Proper soil is key to keeping your garden growing properly. To that end, you need to ensure that your garden has the proper levels of three key nutrients: nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. Nitrogen helps the plants to grow their leaves and stems properly and too little can result in small plants while too much may lead to plants with huge stems and leaves but a lack of flowers or fruit. Phosphorous is a key nutrient when it comes to growth of the roots in plants. It is also useful in helping bulbs to flower. Potassium, the last key element in good soil, is responsible for the overall health of the plant. It is useful in the immune function of the plants and also the general growth.

- If weeds are a problem for your garden, there is a solution that requires little work on your part. Using a substance known as a 'pre-emergent herbicide' can be a godsend to those who wish to keep their garden weed free. This type of herbicide affects only plants that are beginning to germinate, so all plants that are already at least 3 inches tall will not be affected by the herbicide. Basically, you need to weed the garden as best you can, and then apply the herbicide to ensure that no new weeds will grow. This is the easiest method for maintaining a weed-free garden with little work.