There are many ways to enjoy your new garden. You can create a relaxing area where you can read a book or sit and enjoy the flowers. You can also put up bird feeders and plant borders where you can enjoy the view out your window. Regardless of what type of garden you plan to create, following these ideas will help you get started.
Plan your garden in advance
If you’re a novice at gardening, one of the most helpful things you can do is to plan your garden in advance. There are several tools available online, and these will make your garden planning process easier. These programs will allow you to plan your entire garden layout before you get started, and you can even save and print your plans. A few of these programs even include ideas from leading garden designers in the UK.
Planning ahead will allow you to maximize the productivity of your garden. You’ll save yourself a lot of time and effort when compared to an unplanned garden. First, you need to choose a location that has good soil that drains well. Ideally, the soil should be well-drained and loose, so you can work in organic matter. Avoid planting trees around your garden as they can compete with your plants. Some species of trees even produce toxins, so keep this in mind when choosing your garden area.
Invest in good tools
If you’re planning to garden at home for the first time, invest in a good set of gardening tools. This includes hoes, rakes, cultivators, water hoses, and hedge clippers. Invest in gloves, too, which protect your hands from splinters and cuts. It’s important to invest in gloves that won’t get too bulky or get wet.
A garden hoe looks like a garden rake, but is more powerful and is designed to easily cut through hard soil and weeds. It is especially helpful when planting vegetables or several swaths of plants. A shovel is another essential gardening tool. It is used to break up ground and plant seeds, and can be a good tool for beginners. An angled shovel is especially useful for those who aren’t used to working with heavy tools.
Create a garden scrapbook
Whether you’re trying to keep track of your garden budget or perennial plants, a scrapbook can help you remember the details. You can even use it to remember family memories. You can even include text about the plants and their care, like recipes or anecdotes. If you want to get more detailed, consider using plant tags and photographs.
Lastly, you’ll need to select scrapbook papers that complement your photos and the overall theme of your layout. When choosing scrapbook papers, remember that colors should enhance the overall theme and mood of the scrapbook. For example, spring pictures should be bright and cheerful, while fall and winter pictures should be muted and subdued. Black and white can also add interest to a layout.
Water your plants regularly
One of the most important things you can do for your plants is to water them regularly. This is important especially for newly planted shrubs and trees. You should also water your potted plants and hanging baskets on a regular basis. During the growing season, make sure that you water your plants at least once a week.
The best time to water your plants is early in the morning. The soil will be more likely to absorb moisture from the air. Watering your plants at this time will discourage pests and diseases. However, you can also water your plants in the evening. This is because it’s cooler at night and less water evaporates.
Avoid pressure-treated wood
When building raised garden beds for your vegetables, it’s best to avoid pressure-treated wood. It can contain harmful chemicals, which can harm your plants and soil. Pressure-treated lumber contains chromated copper arsenate (CCA), which was banned in 2003. Since then, copper azole and alkaline copper quat have been used as protective treatments. Even with these newer methods, pressure-treated lumber can still contain harmful chemicals, so be sure to check the label of the materials.
Another common chemical in pressure-treated lumber is DDAC, a disinfectant commonly used in restaurants and surgeries. The EPA has banned its use in residential applications, and modern lumber is treated with copper instead. While this chemical isn’t harmful to humans, it can leach into your garden soil.