Are you considering starting a garden to enhance your property’s curb appeal but feeling unsure about where to begin? If you’re new to gardening, don’t worry – Residential Landscaping Services from SBC Outdoor Services understands the challenges.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the simple steps of setting up your first garden so you can enjoy the beauty and blossoms it brings.
1. Understand Your Climate Zone
Planting the right crops at the right time is key to gardening success. Familiarize yourself with your climate zone and learn which fruits, vegetables, flowers, and herbs thrive in your area.
2. Choose Your Garden’s Location
Starting from scratch allows you to select the ideal location for your new garden. Consider accessibility for watering, picking, and maintenance. For flower or vegetable gardens, ensure the chosen area receives sufficient direct sunlight.
3. Do a Soil Test
Understanding your garden soil is essential before planting. Plants thrive with a pH of 7 and a balanced nutrient and organic matter presence. A landscaping contractor can assist in soil testing and creating the proper balance if needed.
4. Gather Basic Garden Tools
Using well-maintained, quality tools will save time and effort. Essential tools for starting a garden include a shovel and gloves. Avoid plastic tools when possible and choose appropriately sized tools to reduce the risk of injury.
5. Plan Your Garden Bed
Before creating a garden bed, determine the type and size you need. Raised beds offer easier maintenance and more enjoyable gardening. Aim for a bed width of 3 to 4 feet, allowing access to the center without compacting the soft soil.
6. Choose the Right Seeds or Transplants
If you plan on growing specific varieties, consider starting your own transplants from seeds to save money. Alternatively, find young, commercially grown plants at a local nursery. Avoid picking plants in small pots to prevent transplant shock.
7. Plant Your Seeds
Follow instructions on seed packets or transplant containers. Plant seeds at the proper depth and firm the soil over them for proper germination. Water your plants whenever the surface becomes dry, and be precise when replanting transplants to avoid damage.
8. Water Your Plants
Water your plants approximately one inch per week during the growing season. Check for dry soil by inserting a finger two inches into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water.
9. Use Mulch
Mulch the soil with several inches to retain moisture and suppress weeds. This reduces the need for frequent watering and prevents weed seeds from germinating. Choose from various mulch types, such as shredded bark, straw, or river rock, depending on your preferences.
10. Embrace Companion Planting
Companion planting involves growing certain plants together that have beneficial effects on each other. For example, some plants can deter pests from others or enhance nutrient absorption in the soil. Research which plants complement each other and create a harmonious garden ecosystem. By strategically pairing compatible plants, you can maximize productivity and promote a healthier garden overall.
Residential Landscaping Services You Can Trust
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.