1. Watering

Watering is probably the most important thing you do for your garden. You need to water regularly throughout the day, even if it's cloudy outside. If you don't water enough, your plants won't get the moisture they need. If you over-water, you'll end up with soggy roots and wilted foliage.

2. Mulching

Mulch keeps weeds down, conserves moisture, and helps prevent erosion. There are many different types of mulches out there, including straw, wood chips, bark, sawdust, newspaper, grass clippings, and composted manure.

3. Fertilizing

Fertilizer feeds your plants and promotes their growth. Use fertilizer according to label instructions. Don't use more than what's recommended; using too much fertilizer can lead to burn spots on leaves and flowers, yellowing of leaves, stunted growth, and poor fruit set.

4. Pest Control

Pests eat away at your plants' roots, stems, leaves, buds, and flowers. To keep them under control, spray your plants with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Neem oil is safe for humans and pets and works well for controlling aphids, mites, whiteflies, thrips, spider mites, mealybugs, and leafhoppers.

5. Harvesting

Harvesting is the last step in gardening. When your plants reach maturity, cut them back to promote new growth. Be sure to remove any dead or diseased parts before harvesting.