from a novice gardener..
i would like to make this blog in an attempt to convenience people to look into this topic.
the value of gardening is a simple one. food.
but there are some more benefits
profit is normally guaranteed;the amount of money you spend on a herb or seed be it for food, seasoning or herbal medicine, will always create a profit. especially with potatoes now that the towering method has spread.(tower method not suitable for patio or porches)
satisfaction; you may think to your self thats dumb or silly or something snarky,but really growing and harvesting a plant is actually fun for me at least, it gives a sense of purpose and accomplishment,even more so when you see the surplus you can dry(dry herbs) and store,not to mention the food. and some people may even buy some off you.
potting; potting is handy!; why you may ask well aside from the obvious mobility its great when you have a crappy kind of soil like me for example my soil is very clay rich,on the bright side though basil's grow great in it.
now if you have restricted room you can uses pots for growing, if allowed that is.
there are some things you must do. such as add fertilizer, keep the pH in check,water,prune,etc. all very simple.
fertilizer can be done by simply mixing dirt with water(dissolves minerals and displaces nutrients) and poring it in when watering is needed. you will need to add carbon,you can do this by making charcoal(do not uses charcoal briquettes they have additives and i do not know if it will kill the plants) simply crush to a fine powder and mix with water so it seeps to the roots, when watering is needed.(there are 1000's of videos on youtube to learn how to make charcoal)
pH is simple as well wood ash lowers the pH and vinegar raises it. its a good ideal to get a pH reader. wood ashes can repel some pests but not all,there are plants that repel pests too.
pruning is simple as well....its just a fancy way of saying cut.just cut off limbs to shape it down so it has reason to grow.(best to look up a video on it if your confused)