Choose the right location for a garden and plant seeds correctly

Starting your first garden can be an overwhelming task. Here are some great tricks and tips to help you get started and plan a great garden. As long as you plan and do some research, anyone can have a beautiful garden.


Do

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  • search for information
  • pick the perfect location
  • prep the soil
  • properly plant your seeds
Don't

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  • forget to plan
  • let the weeds get out of control
  • overwater or underwater
  • mix invasive plants in your garden

[publishpress_authors_data]'s recommendation to ExpertBeacon readers: Do

Do search for information

Attaining knowledge can separate a great gardener from an unsuccessful one. Researching and planning is the first step in establishing a thriving garden. Areas across the country will have unique climates, pests, soils, etc. Make sure to do some research and find out what you will need for a specific area. Planning up front will impact the results of your garden.

Do pick the perfect location

Do some investigating around your home before picking the place for the perfect garden. The garden needs to have adequate sunlight, 6 hours per day is ideal. Drainage is very important to consider, especially in rainy areas. Make sure the garden has good drainage or it could get washed away. Also consider how much wind the area will be exposed to throughout the season. Lastly, make sure to plant the garden close to a source of water.

Do prep the soil

Take a look at the soil you are planning to plant the garden in. Has the soil been used as a garden before? If not, it may be necessary to mix in some organic matter and fertilizer to make the soil ready nutritious.

If you decide you need to add soil to the area, here are a few tips to consider:
If the area looks like just dirt, there will definitely need to be organic matter or fertilizer added. Ask the plan store for recommendations for the best fertilizer in your region. Follow the directions carefully or you could kill the plants and create a harsh environment in the garden.

Creating garden boxes is a great option if an area has poor soil. Building a garden box is fairly simple and cost effective. These boxes can be filled with great soil so a garden can prosper anywhere.

Do properly plant your seeds

Do not buy the great looking pepper plant that is in its prime with small peppers on it already. Buy seedlings from the plant store that are small. Buying early in the season is the key for great plants throughout the season.

Plants such as peppers, watermelon, tomatoes are annual and will grow once per year. Plants such as artichokes, oregano, and strawberries are perennials and will come back year after year. Make sure to do some research on what types of plants you are plants and mark them adequately.

Save seed packets to reference throughout the planting season. All the information such as time of germination, when to plant, and preferred plant depth will be listed on the back of the package. This is great to refer to if you can’t remember a specific detail about a plant in the middle of the season.


[publishpress_authors_data]'s professional advice to ExpertBeacon readers: Don't

Do not forget to plan

As far as planning goes, you also need to decide what you want to plant. Take into account not only what grows best in your area, but some of your family’s favorites.

Plan for how much space each plant requires so you don’t plant things too close together. Cucumbers and squash for example, will likely spread very far. It will make weeding and harvest time easier if there is enough room and the plants won’t have to compete for space and nutrients.

Do not let the weeds get out of control

Weeds are relentless and nasty. Controlling weeds is necessary but can be a pain to keep them under control. A weed will compete for a plant’s nutrition and rob a plant of necessary sunlight. If you’re going to have a successful garden, having a plan to control the weeds is a must.

You can weed by hand if the ground is not too hard. A hoe is a popular way to weed as well. Another option is to use mulch or grass clippings to do the same thing.

Pull the weeds before they go to seed. And be careful to not add perennial type weeds and weeds that have gone to seed, into your compost.

Do not overwater or underwater

Some plants that need to stay consistently moist and others need to dry out between each watering. The first step in avoiding drying your plants out or drowning them is to know your plant’s moisture requirements.

Read the label or ask a specialist to get the correct information. To regulate the amount of water you give to your plants, use an irrigation system or a watering can with measure marks. Also, consider scheduling reminders on your smartphone to keep you on schedule.

Do not mix invasive plants in your garden

Do your research! It will be helpful to find out what type of plant you are working with. Invasive plants include spiderwort, English ivy, and horseradish.

These types of plants tend to take over and “invade” the garden. If you decide to go with a species like this, be sure to keep them in separate containers.


Summary

Planning a garden can be a daunting task. Start by using these quick and easy tips to get started.

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