Gardening is a fantastic, low maintenance hobby to pick up during the summer. Most sproutlings you can buy at the store cost no more than four dollars, and maintenance and upkeep is very minimal. It is not hard to have a green  thumb if you take the proper preparations to start.

Most of the time it is best to not use the dirt from your yard, especially if you live in a neighborhood as most of your top soil is taken and sold, but you can buy a bag of Miracle-Gro and fertilizer at Walmart, Lowes or any outdoor store near you.

Raising plants is not complicated, once they are planted in the ground the main thing you must do is water them daily and harvest the produce once it is ready. Some plants do require more upkeep, but common vegetables like cucumber plants, tomatoes, most peppers and beans have very basic requirements and are very hardy plants.

Gardening is a great way to lower stress, get outside and a fun and inexpensive way to grow your own food. Often times, if successful, you will end up with a surplus to share with your family and friends as a cheap, easy gift.