Considering the popularity of gardening in America, it's not surprising how many people – once the weather starts changing and warming up – decide to become first-time gardeners. Additionally, many avid gardeners return to their favorite pastime by either utilizing a few pots on the back deck or clearing out a large area in their backyard.

But the burning question is this: Should you plant a vegetable or flower garden? For each type, there are pros and cons. There is also a way, if you wish, to harmoniously blend the two types of gardens together. In an effort to help you decide which garden to grow – or whether to combine them – let's take a look at vegetable gardens and  flower gardens.

Aesthetics Versus Utility

Where will you be planting your garden? If you're thinking about the front of your home, an area easily noticed when passing by or visiting, you may decide to go with flowers. They are aesthetically pleasing and can be a great source of enjoyment. If, on the other hand, you have a side or backyard in which you’d like to plant, you may consider a vegetable garden. Not only is this an enjoyable hobby, it can save you money and provide you with a higher quality of produce than you'd find at most stores.

Once again, however, you can combine vegetables and flowers in the same garden area, as long as you know what you're doing. Why would someone do this? The fact is, in order for your plants to form vegetables, the flowers actually attract pollinators relied upon by the vegetable plants. Additionally, some pests are discouraged by certain flowers.

Why A Flower Garden?

Here are a few reasons to opt for a flower garden over vegetables:

• Only small spaces are needed.
• Many flowers are annuals and don't need replanting.
• Everyone can enjoy your beautiful flowers. They improve any outdoor space.

Why Not A Flower Garden?

Flower gardens are great, but they do have some cons:

• Are you allergic to pollen? Flower gardens produce plenty of it, so they may not be for you if you have severe allergies.
• Other than aesthetics, flower gardens don't do much. Other than a pleasing appearance, they serve no real purpose. But incredible beauty may be enough for you.

Why A Vegetable Garden?

Here's why you may decide to grow vegetables:

• As suggested, the quality of your vegetables will outdo the quality of most store-bought produce. You might even save yourself a trip to the store, on occasion.
• Fresh vegetables taste better than vegetables shipped from other regions.
• This is something that the kids can participate in – it's a great family project.
• You know the circumstances under which the vegetables were raised, you're going to save money, and not ingest chemicals.

Why Not A Vegetable Garden?

Naturally, everything has its cons. Here are a few:

• If you decide to go with something other than just a couple of pots, you might need an awful lot of space for a substantial garden.
• In order to create and maintain a vegetable garden, a considerable amount of effort and time is needed. This is a commitment.
• Crops are easily damaged by foraging animals and pests.

Whether Vegetables or Flowers – Shop at DIY Tool Supply!

At DIY Tool Supply, shipping is always free, and we offer items at competitive prices. Need gardening gloves, seeds, kneeling pads, or gardening tools? We carry all of that. While you're browsing through the gardening section, be sure to check out the vast array of other products we offer from other lines. Sign up for a free account to stay on top of our sales.