Gardening Maintenance
Choose carefully
Whenever you place plants in and around your garden be sure that they are matched for your climate. Be careful to choose plants for the wright zone and don't put plants in the wrong type of lighting. a plant that requires lots of sunlight placed in a shade area will cause it to look dull, loose foliage and die.
Keep Records
Catalog your garden space with plants, it will make your life a whole lot easier. Organize by simply by putting together a card file or a book detailing the plants and sun and water requirements for them or simply place a care tag on a book page or its own section in your card catalog. Then you can easily reference each plant and see what the requirements are.
Flowers
Go with the flow
You will want to make sure that your garden space has a flow to it. Think of how the plants will fall around the walkways and place a variety of options to stop and enjoy your planting efforts. Do not to overdo it when you are designing your space.
Here's how
Treat them right
Make sure all of your plants ares properly watered and get appropriate light and good soil. Use colors to bring out the overall look and feel. And don't be afraid to use different heights and textures when picking out plants. The best inspirations will often come when you are hands-on in your garden When an idea comes to mind get to work. The end result will be a truly great garden!
Herb Gardening
Herb gardening is easy and is fun- anybody can do it. They have few requirements, all they need is sunshine, well soil, fertilizer and a drink of water. Most herbs will grow in containers but remember though that some herb plants will grow quite large (up to 6 feet) so you will have to re-pot them from time to time.
Bring Them Sunshine
Plants love sunshine so place them where they are going to get full sun. Unless you are in a sunny place with temperatures over 90 degrees (lucky you). Then place them where they will get a little shade in the early mornings and evenings. Some plants will grow fine beneath trees or shrubs.
Give them Space
Plants grow to different sizes and it is important that they each have plenty of it to grow and thrive. Here's an idea of and how much space the most popular herbs will need;
Sage, Rosemary, Mint, Marjoram and Oregano plants- Three to Four Feet per Plant.
Basil, Savory and Tarragon plants- Two Feet per Plant.
Parsley, Cilantro, Dill and Chives plants- One Foot per Plant.
Preparing the Soil
Probably the most important part of gardening and must not be skimped on. They need well prepared soil, plenty of fertilizer and good drainage. First use a garden fork and break up any soil that may have become compacted. This helps water to drain and creates space for the roots to take a firm hold. Next mix in some fertilizer or compost which nourish the soil and provide essential nutrients for the plants.
Home Gardening
Home gardening can mean anything from flowers and ivy to producing food. But we'll talk about vegetable gardens. Do some planning and think through what plants you will want. Buy the healthiest, strongest plants you can find to plant in your herb garden and water regularly. Keep them moist but be careful not to over water. The health of the plants will tell you whether you are watering them too much or too little. Gardening really is very simple and anybody can do it.
Time the yield
When vegetable are planted keep early plants such as radishes, lettuce and onions close together. Plants that grow taller like corn, pole beans and tomatoes should be at the north end of the garden area This is too keep them from shading other plants. Allow extra room for watermelon, cantaloupe and squash. Plant corn in several short rows to pollinate, rather than one or two long rows. Planting the same vegetables at different times will increase the overall yields.
Plant in prepared soil
Choose an area that drains well, and receives a lot of sunlight during the day. Mix in compost, manure and even some topsoil if need be. Avoid sandy or clay soils and shade. Trees and shrubs will compete with your plants. You will probably need a rototiller , in smaller areas a shovel can be used. You will also want a hoe and rake for weeding, and a trowel, a garden hose and sprinkler or drip system for watering, and a good organic spray to control pests. Fertilizer and mulch should be on hand for continued feeding of the soil. You will also want string and for marking rows and some plants. You can start plants by seed, but they will usually do better when started as a small plant.
More About Gardening
It takes skill and patience to have a perfect looking lawn with beautiful flowers surrounding it. Here are some tips on how!
Clear out weeds
First identify weeds stop them! Most common are dandelions, carpetweed, or poison ivy. Dig dandelions out by the root right . This will stunt further regrowth! When working with poison ivy be sure to wear protective gloves since they are poisonous! Simply Dig the plant at the base and let it dry out. Carpetweed just needs a tug to damage it by pulling it out! Once you've got rid of your weeds you just can keep your garden neat! Use a weed killer (preferably something that won't hurt pets) every few weeks and water the grass.
Beautiful
Don't mistreat your plants
Use caution when choosing your plants. Check much water they need before you choose. Can you give them the attention they need? Be sure you're planting flowers and plants in healthy soil. And don't over water your plants as this could drown your plants roots. Let the water soak in before you add more. During drought or extremely warm weather your plants are going to need that extra little bit of water and attention so they do not dry out. the heads of the flowers turn away from the sun if this is the case. And cut the lawn less often since the grass won't be getting as much water.