With the arrival of spring come the first thoughts of starting a garden. But like with many things, the odds of success are greatest if you take the right steps at the very beginning. Here are a few tips on how to properly start your garden. We’ll discuss what you should do now to maximize the odds of a successful harvest in the fall with minimal maintenance through the rest of the growing season.
Decide What You Want to Grow
Deciding what you want to grow is really the first step. The type of crops or flowers you want to grow determine how much light the spot needs, the drainage or irrigation requirements, and soil amendments that may be necessary. You might need to research the different types of nutrients and soils different flowers, vegetables or fruits need for them to be successful; then you might find you need to order top quality soil to cater to it. Vegetable gardens will need a different layout than a decorative flower garden. Plants that aren’t native to your area may require extra care, such as keeping them in a greenhouse until it is warm enough to plant them.
Companion planting is the practice of planting plants next to your garden rows that drive away insects or enrich the soil. If you want to use this environmentally friendly option, research what works well with the plants you want to grow. Then lay out the design of the garden so that you have the companion plants the right distance from the crops or delicate flowers.
Are you concerned about beneficial insects or the decline of bees? Now is the time to decide whether or not you want to plant flowers that attract butterflies or feed bees.
Pick the Right Spot
Pick the right spot means pick somewhere with the right level of sunlight and soil drainage for what you want to grow. For example, most fruits and vegetables need at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. If you lack this, you either need to find shade-tolerant vegetables or trim your trees. Partial-shade is when the spot gets four to six hours of direct sunlight per day; you can plant a number of things here if it gets morning light and shade in the evening. Full shade is four hours or less of direct sunlight per day, and this should be avoided for most types of gardens.
Also, when you are selecting the right spot, consider the level of maintenance you are comfortable with. For a container garden, nearly any location with sufficient light can work. In contrast, a larger vegetable garden may require ample space and sunlight. Additionally, if you are aiming to grow a variety of fruits, vegetables, and flowers, you will require even more space to ensure each type of plant can thrive under optimal conditions.
Furthermore, different plants often have varying needs, particularly in terms of water and fertilizer. For instance, some of your plants may require more frequent watering, while others can easily grow in drier conditions. To manage these differences effectively, it’s important to differentiate your garden areas accordingly. You can designate specific zones for plants with higher water needs and separate them from those that prefer less water. Similarly, you can allocate different sections of your garden for plants requiring varying levels of fertilizers. And, in this context, metal lawn edging from The Ideal Garden (or a similar brand) can become an invaluable tool. It can help you create clear boundaries between your different garden sections, making it easier for you to manage and cater to each plant’s specific needs.
Prep the Soil
If you’ve found a spot with the right soil, you’re ready to start amending it with fertilizers like manures or compost. If the only spot for your garden is less than ideal for the plants you want to grow, you’re going to need to add amendments to the soil based on what the soil needs. For example, some soils need the pH corrected before you can grow what you want. If your garden will need irrigation, this is the time to put in a customized drip irrigation system from companies like Sunrise Irrigation & Sprinklers. Such an advanced system can help ensure that your garden receives the right amount of water.
And now you’re ready to start planting your garden, once the weather is warm enough. You can find recommendations for equipment to maintain the garden or care for the plants on a site like mygardeningnetwork.com.
Gardening is a seasons-long adventure. However, a little planning and prep work eliminates the hassles of trying to make something grow in incompatible soil. It also maximizes your odds of reaping what you sow while enjoying your beautiful garden.
