Planning Your First Garden

Start with a focal point, like a uniquely shaped tree or shrub, an outdoor structure, or a garden accessory, such as a birdbath. Then add complementary plants. Strive to include bright colors and bold foliage to make the space visually pleasing from a distance.

Do you like to play badminton, toss a ball with your dog or let the kids run wild? If so, your garden should include a lawn for play and sturdy, low-growing plants that can withstand occasional trampling. For safety, avoid plants with thorns or sharp edges. A grassy expanse of lawn also serves a design purpose: It gives the eye a place to rest amidst the chaos of crowded flower beds.

Many people appreciate having a private place to relax. Create privacy with a strategically placed hedge, fence or even a vine-covered garden structure. Add seating and try to include shade to create the most relaxing space possible.

Besides creating a vegetable patch, you can also grow fruit and vegetables in raised beds and patio containers or incorporate them into the overall landscape. Blueberry bushes look great with spring flowers, summer fruit or fall foliage. Plants with colorful foliage, such as basil and Swiss chard, fit easily into a flower bed.

Once you’ve decided how you’ll use your garden, choose a location accordingly. For instance, a garden for beauty should be planted where it can get some attention. Put it in the front yard where others can appreciate it, and you can enjoy it from the front window, porch or patio. A tranquil spot for relaxation works best in a more private area of the yard. The best location will likely be in the backyard, away from prying eyes.

Gardens take time to install and maintain. Keep this in mind when you’re planning the size of your garden. Begin by measuring your yard’s available garden space. Then ask yourself how much time and energy you have to plant and maintain a garden. One strategy is to start small and add to your garden over time. It’s easier on your wallet and on your back. For instance, you could plant a small corner in your backyard or start with a modest foundation in your front yard. Both offer a convenient backdrop for plants and can be planted in a weekend. Or, plant a single container and add more plants as time and money permit.

There’s no better time to improve the soil than before planting. First, test your soil. This will tell you what kind of soil you’re dealing with and what nutrients it needs. No matter what kind of soil you have, it’s a good idea to amend it with compost, peat moss and composted cow manure. These amendments work best when added to the top 8 to 12 inches of soil, which will help it hold moisture and oxygen. If you have a heavy clay soil that sticks together when wet, you may need to add gypsum to help separate the dense soil particles.

Consider the type of soil and the amount of sunlight available in your garden when choosing plants. Be sure to plant correctly. Inspect the root ball. If the surface roots are circling, encourage them to migrate outwards by cutting roots at four equidistant points, as well as at the bottom of the root ball. Place the plant in the ground at the same depth at which it was growing in the nursery container. If in doubt, it’s better to plant it slightly higher in the ground rather than deeper. Fill the hole, tamp the soil to remove air pockets and water your new plant well. Get some useful garden tools. You don’t need one of everything to get started. A spade, rake, trowel and pruners are enough to begin an exceptional garden.

You’ll want to fertilize to give your plants a quick boost and adjust for any shortcomings that showed up in your earlier soil test. Snip off faded blooms to keep plants neat and to encourage more flowers. Look for signs of pests and diseases, which can be treated with products from your Lowe’s Garden Center. Keep plants weeded and watered. Adding 2 inches of mulch, such as wood chips or shredded bark, on top of the soil will help cut down on weeding and watering, but don’t let the mulch touch any plant stems.