If you read the first half of this series, and now know more about the hardiness zones within the state, as well as the different types of plants that are out there and why they are called such.
Haven’t read it yet? We suggest you do before you move on – click here for Part 1. Then come back!
Now that you have the foundational info, we are going to further your knowledge on starting an enjoyable garden with some other basics.
When you’re planning a garden, there are three major areas to pay attention to:
- Location
- Water
- Maintenance
Choosing Where to Plant: You need to go with an area that is in the direct sunlight for at least six hours a day, if not more. The plants are going to need this in order to thrive. (If you haven’t got a spot with that much sun, talk to us about solutions for shady areas.)
Make sure that you have well drained, moist soil that you’re planting in, with a compost mixture and manure thrown on top and then mixed into the soil. This will create the prime area for the plants to thrive.
Watering Matters: You have to make sure that the plants get an adequate amount of water throughout the day. You want to make sure that once they are planted, you water them. Then you come back out later and water again. Make sure you water the next day and the day after. If it rains, you can skip that day because they’ve soaked up the rain water.
But too much water is not a good thing. To prevent overwatering, stick your finger in the dirt about an 1″ – if it’s wet that deep down, you can skip watering that day.
Managing Your Garden: Keeping a garden small is ideal if you’re new to this. It’s also a good idea if your yard maintenance time is limited. You don’t want to be overwhelmed with the amount of upkeep that you have to do. Start small, and then expand with time. Remember, the idea of having this garden is for enjoyment.
Now that you’ve got the basics, you should be able to pick garden plants that work the best for you. But if you’re still not sure where to start, give us a call. We can design a garden that fits in with your overall landscaping and doesn’t require so much upkeep or maintenance. We are here to help!