Creating a Garden to Fit Your Spring Style

In order to create a beautiful garden, it all starts with a little piece of scratch paper. Plotting out your garden plans gives you a jump start when it comes to shopping, hoeing, and designing.

Also, it is easier to rearrange things on paper than it is once you have some seeds in the dirt.

As you draw out your sketch, be sure to include immovable features, such as sidewalks and porches. It is important to reserve space near hedges and walls for plants that do well with a little extra shade and protection. Be sure to keep plants an ample distance from one another as well as structures so that they have plenty of room to grow.

New shrubs and trees should be given plenty of room as well because when they are fully grown, they can take up quite a lot of space.

Also, leave room for children. Even for young couples just starting out, envision the yard a few years from now. Animals should also be considered when it comes to plotting out the territory. If you plan a bed, make sure to leave room to work as well as a space for stepping stones or a winding path.

Once you have a general sketch of the yard, its time to ensure you have the proper gardening tools.

The essential garden tools include a trowel, spade, shovel, hoe, pruning shears, a 5 gallon bucket, a hose, watering can, hat and gloves. This may seem like a lot to get all at once, but many of these items can be found for low cost in various discount stores. They also tend to be near each other and the garden section of course.

Another important part of garden planning is the soil itself. Soil improvement is said to be the most important step towards ensuring a successful garden.

The best type of soil is loose, crumbly earth that lets in air and moisture. It is also a wise idea to test the pH factor of your soil. Most county extension services provide soil testing, or you can buy a soil testing kit for an average price of $12. Depending on the pH factor, you may need to add some ingredients to bring the soil to a pH level of 6.5.

In order to lower the pH factor, add some lime. If the pH factor is too high, try adding sulfur or gypsum.

When it comes to compost, start with 6-8 inches of plant material. This includes blossoms, trimmings, lawn clippings, and other garden debris. You can also add eggshells, fruit and vegetable peelings and coffee grounds.

Next, add an inch of manure or a sprinkle of nitrogen fertilizer. Then, cover with an inch layer of garden soil.

Repeat the layers until the pile is about 4 feet high. Water the compost pile whenever you water the garden. Turn the pile at least once a month so it gets ample oxygen.

In order to make a garden bed, cover the area with a layer of newspaper about 12 pages thick. Next, cover the paper with 3 inches of compost, or a 50-50 mixture of topsoil and manure.

Wait for six months while all the layers decompose to create a 6-inch layer of topsoil ready for planting.

Building a raised garden bed allows vigorous root growth and adds protection from grass and weeds. Also, the extra elevation allows a bed's soil to warm earlier in spring.

Railway ties are one option to use in retaining walls. Brick and treated lumber tend to last longer.

Once the soil is ready, its time to start planting! Choosing a variety of plants that can thrive in your garden's environment is essential.

It is important to resist exotic specimens. Hardy plants that are native in your geographical area will be more reliable.

Shady yards are by no means meant to be without a garden. Use plants that thrive well in partial shade.

In regards to your garden budget, be sure to sow seed in wide drifts. Also, plant perennials sold in flats or pots.

Include pint-size plants or bare-root stock. Also, plant a few large container plants of the same variety as your seedlings, and smaller plants for showy focal points.

Lastly, when it comes to caring for your plants, most plants need about an inch of water a week. Regular watering is especially important for young plants. Elevating the beds also provides better drainage.

Mulch is also a great shortcut to insulate roots, and hold in moisture.