Have you considered starting a garden to improve the curb appeal of your property? Looking for residential landscaping services but not sure where to start? If you are new to gardening, don’t worry, we at SBC Outdoor Services understand the challenge. In this article, we will look at how to set up your first garden in simple steps. After following these simple steps, you can enjoy beautiful views and blossoms in your garden as a reward.
1. Climate Zone
Planting the right plant at the right time is the key to gardening success. Knowing what crops suit your climate zone and when to plant them is the first step. Make a note of the fruits, vegetables, flowers, and herbs that grow in your area.
2. Hoose The Location
You have the best opportunity to choose the best location for your new garden when you’re starting from scratch. Plan how you will access the garden to pick the plants, water them, and take care of them. If you plan to grow flowers or vegetables, make sure you find an area that receives enough direct sunlight.
3. Do a Soil Test
Understanding your garden soil is essential before building your garden beds and planting. Plants require a pH of 7 for optimum growth. The level of nutrients, as well as the presence of organic matter, must be balanced. If there are any soil imbalances, a landscaping contractor can help you create the proper balance by testing the soil.
4. Basic Garden Tools
It will save you time and effort if you use good tools, and make sure they are well maintained. A shovel and gloves are essential pieces of equipment when starting a garden. Plastic tools should be avoided if possible. To reduce the risk of injury, choose tools that are the right size for you.
5. Plan Your Garden Bed
It is important to decide what type and size of garden bed you need before you begin creating one. Raised beds may make gardening more enjoyable and easier to maintain. To reach into the center without compacting the soft soil, beds should have a width of 3 to 4 feet.
6. Choose The Right Seeds or Transplants
It is probably necessary for you to grow your own transplants from seeds if you plan on growing specific varieties. You can save a lot of money by starting your own transplants from seeds. Alternatively, you can find young, commercially grown plants in your local nursery. It is important not to pick plants in small pots, as they may be root-bound when planted in the garden and suffer from transplant shock.
7. Plant Your Seeds or Transplant
Almost every seed packet and transplant container comes with instructions. Make sure that you plant seeds at the appropriate depth and tamp the soil firmly over the seeds to ensure proper germination. Always water your plants whenever the surface becomes dry. Taking out transplants from their pots and replanting them in the soil requires being more precise in order to avoid damaging the plant.
8. Watering Your Plants
For plants during the growing season, you should water them approximately one inch a week. A finger inserted two inches into the soil can be used to detect thirsty plants. Dry soil is a sign that it is time to water.
9. Use mulch
Mulch the soil with several inches to keep weeds out and moisture in. The soil won’t have to be watered as frequently, and you won’t have to worry about weed seeds germinating because the sunlight won’t hit it. Mulches can be chosen in a variety of forms, including shredded bark, straw, and river rock, which each have benefits of their own.
10. Decide What to Grow
Decide what plants you would like to grow according to your climate zone and personal preferences. Decide what kinds of fruits and vegetables you’d like to eat, and plant them. You should also consider how much space you have for gardening at home.
Summary: As we discussed the important steps for creating your first garden, we have outlined the steps by step guide. To reap the rewards of your efforts, you should also maintain your garden regularly. If your plants begin to wilt, water them immediately. You should remove weeds before they produce seeds. An experienced and reputable landscaping contractor can take care of all these maintenance tasks for you.
SBC Outdoor Services’ experts can assist you with any questions you may still have about how to start your garden and maintain your plants. We provide the highest quality residential landscaping services in Maryland and the surrounding area at an affordable price.
Contact our landscaping expert today and have the garden you’ve always wanted.
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