Gardening is a wonderful pastime. What could be better than a hobby that adds beauty to your home, value to your property and can be enjoyed for a lifetime? For many beginners, however, starting a garden can be intimidating and daunting. Often, people are scared to devote the time and energy to start a time-consuming project that may have some failures along the way. But by taking a few simple steps, any novice can easily sow his own successful garden.

When starting your garden, consider its environment -- the quality of the soil, the temperature and the amount of sunlight and water plants will receive. Every garden is different, but there are a variety of plants available that can suit the most diverse conditions.

SOIL QUALITY

Soil quality is one of the most important parts of a successful garden (and one of the easiest things to improve). Is your soil dark and loose, does it retain moisture, and is it free of weeds? If so, you're off to a good start. If not, the best thing to do is start from scratch. Dig up the existing dirt and replace it with quality topsoil mixed with organic humus from a local nursery. Doing this will ensure that you're starting with a base that is nutrient rich and weed free.

PLANT SELECTION

When it comes to plant selection, it's important to understand the difference between annuals and perennials. Annuals, such as marigolds, pansies and daisies, grow over the course of one season, and then die. Perennials, such as alyssum, hollyhock and lavender, grow over the course of a season and can return for many years. They can be less work because you don't have to re-seed or re-plant each season, and the soil has time to nurture its inhabitants.

But perennials often don't reach maturity the first season they're planted. So it's often best to mix your first garden with annuals and perennials. Mixing the two will set up your garden for a great future, while delivering variety in the present.

LIGHT

Gauge the amount of sunlight your garden gets. Different plants thrive in various levels of sunlight. If you're unsure, look for hardy plants that do well in a variety of conditions. Pansies, for example, grow well in direct sunlight or partial shade.

PLANTS VERSUS SEEDS

When it comes to purchasing plants, gardeners often have to choose between grown plants and seeds. Seeds are cheaper, but note that the process can be difficult. Many types of seeds need to be germinated indoors, and young sprouts can be vulnerable to weather and insects. It's wiser to start with hardy plants that were grown in a nursery. Weather is also important; find out which garden zone you are in (consult the USDA map online at www.usna.usda.gov/Hardzone/index.html), and buy plants that are appropriate for your region.

TOOLS

Every job requires the right tools. Go to a local nursery or garden center and purchase a hand trowel, rake, pickax and pruners. Before planting, rake the soil and water it thoroughly. Lay in your plants according to their care instructions at the right time of the season (often after the last frost), in a section of the garden that will provide adequate sunlight. Make sure they receive the recommended amount of water, and inspect them regularly to make sure they are free of insects and other pests. Be on the lookout for weeds and pluck them weekly.

If you take things slowly and start with easy-to-grow plants that receive adequate sunlight, water and healthy soil, you're 90 percent done. As always with nature, problems can arise -- such as bad weather or unexpected pests -- but don't let minor setbacks distract you from enjoying your hobby. If you run into trouble, ask an employee at your local nursery for some help. Then sit back and enjoy your beautiful garden!

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