In a little more than a month, my job has thrown me into situations involving topics on which I know very little about and have to do extensive research. But the toughest topic to tackle, for me, has been gardening.

When I was told I would be responsible for the home and garden section, I trembled with fear. How could I fill a section with content about something I know zero about and never have experienced?

Luckily, there are a ton of helpful and patient gardeners in Suffolk who were willing to explain every little detail to me, especially Master Gardeners Sandy Muller and Wanda Gerard.

When I did an article about the Master Gardeners’ spring plant sale, Muller and Gerard told me all about the plants they mentioned, giving me common names and explaining the ideal areas for each of them.

But last week, I got sick of having to ask for explanations and decided I wanted to try it out myself.

I live in an apartment, but I still wasn’t willing to go with potted plants, even though I know they work well for some people. Instead, I asked my mother, who has a huge yard, if we could do some gardening. Luckily, she agreed, if for no other reason than to get the kind of help in the yard I wouldn’t give as a child.

On Sunday morning, we started our work. First of all, I had no idea how expensive plants can be. Once we added gloves, trowels and mulch to the basket, the price shocked me.

We planted pink and white vincas and purple petunias in the front yard and started a small vegetable garden in the back.

I spent about five hours in the dirt, and the whole time I kept thinking about how relaxing the gardeners had told me it is for them.

While I can’t say I felt like I was on a tropical beach, I gained a much better understanding of the reason so many Suffolk citizens take the time to garden.

My experience made me realize how much there is to gain from gardening.

It also made me think about what students are gaining in the learning gardens the Suffolk Partnership for a Healthy Community has established.

The partnership helped start gardens at Kilby Shores and Mount Zion elementary schools as a way to combat youth obesity.

At first glance, gardening might not seem related to fitness, but if my experience on Sunday taught me anything, it was that gardening is hard work that requires serious upper body strength and the determination of an athlete.

So the kids who work on the gardens are getting not only fresh air, but also a great workout.

One other thing you get with a garden is the chance to see the product of all your hard work.

The students’ veggies might not look like much now, but someday, they’re going to be able to eat those peas and lettuce and know their work wasn’t in vain.

Now I’m looking forward to the same payoff for my work on Sunday.