To make the most of your garden, start with a map of your beds. Sketch out the arrangement for the coming season and add notes on the map about what you like and don’t like. If you haven’t already done so, it is a good idea to start now. Some gardeners even keep a journal of their plants and their layout, so that they can refer to it later on if necessary. For vegetables, a garden map is a valuable resource.
Plants can be divided into three different categories: flower garden, herb garden, or vegetable garden. When planning your garden, select those vegetables and herbs that your family will enjoy. When choosing flowers, make sure to decide what type you want to grow. Decide whether you want to grow annuals or perennials. Perennials have shorter blooming times, but they will come back year after year. Different types of plants require different maintenance. You may even want to choose a combination of different plants.
Color theory is a great way to organize your garden according to purpose. If you want to create a quiet meditation space, select cool colors. On the other hand, if you want to have a fun, social outdoor space, plant warm colors. When choosing your color scheme, use colors that are within the same family for unity, and use complementary colors to add visual interest. For example, purple and yellow go well together. But if you want to create a colorful garden, use complementary colors.
Before starting a new bed, prepare the soil. Mix a mix of compost and peat moss into the soil. This will reduce weeds and keep moisture in. Mulch also prevents weed seeds from germinating. Then, apply mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and organic matter. Then, water and fertilize the soil to keep it healthy. The best mulches are made of organic materials and decompose quickly.
Before you plant a new plant, test the soil’s pH. The pH level of soil affects the plant’s ability to absorb nutrients. While some plants tolerate a wide range of pH levels, others may have adverse effects. To find out what the soil’s pH level is, test it with a pH meter. If the soil is too acidic, the plant will not grow properly. Once you know the pH level of your soil, you can choose the right plant for it.
Once the soil is prepared, seedlings can be sown. When planting seeds, make sure to thin them well. Also, monitor the crops for insect damage. If you notice any pests, you can remove them, cover them with a row cover, or apply an organic pesticide. If you want to keep your vegetables alive for the winter, pick them before the frost. Pumpkins and winter squashes should be picked before a hard freeze.
The type of crops you grow depends on the time of year. Some are cold-sensitive, such as lettuce and broccoli. In colder climates, however, they can tolerate temperatures below 40 degrees. You can also use the Vegetable Encyclopedia to figure out when to plant your crops. This way, you can grow crops you’d otherwise be unable to grow. Soil temperature and frost dates can also be helpful in planning your gardening season.