fts123
Just Arrived
Joined: 29 Sep 2008
Posts: 21
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| Posted: Wed Oct 01, 2008 2:26 am Post subject: Planning a garden... |
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Hi 
This may seem like a bit of a silly question...
I have just moved into a new house and have a little garden of my own, which I am really excited about. I want to start working on it, but I realize that fall and winter are coming quicker than I would like. What should I be thinking about now in terms of getting the garden ready before winter hits so I can make it beautiful next spring?
Any suggestions would be super helpful!
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toni
Mistress of Garden Junque
 Moderator
Joined: 07 Jan 2006
Location: North Texas (Map)
Posts: 5556
PlantStew: 521 |
| Posted: Wed Oct 01, 2008 4:00 am Post subject: |
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First you should have your soil tested. Contact a local nursery or the agriculture department of a local college to get a test kit.
The test will let you know if your soil is deficient in any of the important nutrients that plants need for proper growth and the pH level of your soil.
While you are waiting for the test results you can start digging up the garden beds, then till in the proper amendments when you know what you need to add.
Doing this in late autumn or winter will mean the beds will be ready for your plantings in the spring.
It is much easier to properly amend the soil before planting then working around the plants after they are in the ground.
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"Blossom by blossom the spring begins."
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"A little Madness in the spring, is wholesome even for the King."
Emily Dickinson (1830-1886)
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Netty
Chaotic Gardener
Joined: 04 Nov 2006
Location: Southern Ontario zone 5a
Posts: 4751
PlantStew: 5038 |
| Posted: Wed Oct 01, 2008 10:34 pm Post subject: |
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Well said Toni!
I'd have to agree...get those beds ready now so you can get planting in the spring!
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fts123
Just Arrived
Joined: 29 Sep 2008
Posts: 21
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| Posted: Thu Oct 02, 2008 2:17 am Post subject: |
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Thanks so much!! I would never have thought about getting my soil tested. I am looking forward to getting started!
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Gardengirl
On The Way Up
Joined: 25 Sep 2008
Location: Hertfordshire,UK
Posts: 228
PlantStew: 120 |
| Posted: Sat Oct 04, 2008 10:12 am Post subject: |
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I would agree with all of the above comments. If you dig over your beds the winter frosts will help break it up ready for planting. If your soil is acid, plants like rhodedendrons, heathers, camelias and many more will love it. Any good gardening book should tell you which plants like what type of soil.
Good luck with your new garden and don't forget to post some pics so we can all see how you are getting on with it 
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Whenever I feel low I head for the garden.
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thisisme12
Just Arrived
Joined: 06 Oct 2008
Location: USA
Posts: 6
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| Posted: Wed Oct 08, 2008 4:40 am Post subject: |
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Agreed, I find it best as well to get in whatever you need in your soil in the Fall time, and let it sit til spring
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