Building a garden can be rewarding in many ways. It is an activity that can help you relax, and there is no harm in getting your hands a little dirty. But if you are new to gardening, you may find it challenging to start. It is okay to ease your way into gardening. So break your gardening project into less complicated steps.
The following steps will help you get started from the scratch:
1. Consider your preference
What type of garden do you prefer? A vegetable or herb or flower garden? If you are planting vegetables and herbs for sustenance, consider those your family regularly eats or is willing to try out.
If you want a flower garden to beautify your house, decide whether you want flowers that blossom for most of the summer but have to replant every spring or flowers that bloom for shorter periods but grow back year after year. They both make your garden gorgeous but require different forms of maintenance.
2. Pick the best spot
Many flowers and vegetables require about eight hours of sunlight each day. Pick a spot in your yard where these plants can easily access the sun. It’s okay if your yard is shady as other plants such as outdoor ferns and hostas can thrive without sunlight.
Consult with your local garden center or check the plant tags to determine how much sun a plant needs.
Besides sunlight, ensure that your garden has direct access to running water.
3. Clear the Ground
Use a rake or spade to clear the area you plan to plant. Get rid of weeds, rocks, debris, and other things that may hinder the plant’s growth.
If you want quick results with your plants, slice the sod and cut it into sections, then put it on your fertilized soil to decompose.
It is best to use the lasagna gardening method for long-term gardening projects. Cover the yard with newspaper sheets and spread layers of compost on it. The newspaper and compost will have decomposed in a few months, providing you with a garden bed with plenty of rich soil.
4. Test and improve your soil
You can contact your county cooperative extension office to have a soil test done or purchase a DIY kit (although not detailed enough), but it will give you a basic idea of your soil’s nutrient levels.
Residential soil most times need a boost as the topsoil has faded away. For soils with poor drainage, add organic matter. And when dealing with a new bed, ensure to add enough compost or old manure layers to the turf.
There is no need for much work if you are working on an established garden bed as the earthworms will help mix the hummus in with the subsoil.
5. Prepare your planting beds
It is essential to loosen the soil in your planting beds before sowing so that they can access the nutrients and water needed and invariably grow faster. You can either use a mechanical device or your hand to loosen the soil.
6. Pick your plants
After you might have gone through catalogs or when heading to the plant store, choose plants that fit the climate, sunlight, and soil condition of your garden bed.
It is also vital to be aware of the planting seasons for these plants. For instance, kale and pansies can withstand cold, meaning you can plant them in late winter or autumn. On the other hand, flowers and most annual flowers prefer warm temperatures. It is best to avoid planting them when the cold is out.
These tips will simplify gardening and ensure that you plant what is best for your yard and yourself. Don’t forget to water and properly maintain your garden continuously.