There are no stupid questions here. Everyone has to start somewhere, after all. InTheFirst-Time Gardener: Growing Plants and Flowers, Sean and Allison McManus, the gardening pros behind the popular website and podcast Spoken Garden, answer all of your questions and more.Caring for outdoor plantings can be intimidating, especially if the process is completely new to you. Before running to the hardware store to stock up on plastic bags of mulch and tools you don't really need, arm yourself with the know-how to plant and tend outdoor areas correctly and safely. Doing so saves you time, money, and energyand helps make the process a whole lot more fun! With help from this easy-to-follow beginner gardening guide, you'll learn: Tips for selecting the best plantsand flowers for your growing conditionsThe best planting techniques for different types of plantsHow to mulch trees, shrubs, and gardenbeds correctlyPruning dos and don'ts for common garden plantsWays to keep weeds out of outdoor areaswithout using synthetic herbicidesHow to recognize and manage different pests and diseases naturallyInsider tips on everything from the difference between annuals and perennialsto choosing the best organic fertilizerPlus, you'll find time-managementadvice and tips for effective, resource-conscious gardening You will close the book not only knowing how to care for your homes outdoor plantings using earth-friendly methods, but also knowingthe satisfaction of a beautiful, all-natural landscape. This book is part of The First-Time Gardeners Guides series from Cool Springs Press, which also includesTheFirst-Time Gardener: Growing Vegetables. Each book in The First-Time Gardeners Guides series is aimed at beginner gardeners and offers clear, fact-based information thats presented in a friendly and accessible way, including step-by-step instructions and full-color illustrations throughout.