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From spring frolic through winter interlude, successful gardening begins with a plan. This plan may incorporate an elaborate blue print, an extensive drawing or just a few "chicken scratches" on a napkin. Despite the design of the garden, the fundamentals of plant growth remain the same. So, before sharpening that pencil, firing up that tiller or heading to the local nursery for plant materials, do your homework. That’s right, do your homework before you go out to play.
A: Soil Types
There are three basic types of soils – sand, silt and clay. The perfect garden soil for most plants consists of a combination of these three soil types, but we do not live in a perfect world. So, the selection of plants that are purchased for a certain geographical area depends largely upon the nature of its soils. Most nurseries cater to area gardeners by offering plant materials that are well suited for the locale. In spite of the professional’s best efforts, however, some gardeners are faced with the challenge of poor soils. In such cases, soil amendments can be incorporated to improve growing conditions before plants are introduced. The key is to build a healthy growing environment from the ground up.
Soil testing is one sure way to find out the pros and cons of a prospective garden site. For the backyard gardener, test kits are available at most garden centers. Once the soil is tested, amendments can be incorporated. Basically, organic matter and compost are the best soil amendments, but sometimes an area needs more improvements. Contact us for testing assistance, result evaluations and/or recommendations.
B: Nutrition Requirements
Once the soil is amended, the gardener needs to consider plant nutrition. There are 16 nutrients that plants require for healthy growth. Naturally, plants receive 3 of these nutrients from the air, and the remaining 13 nutrients are present in healthy soils. As plants grow, nutrition is used and soils may become depleted. This is where the concept of fertilization turns into action. The gardener needs to replace whatever nutrients the plants have used – fertilization. There are several ways to regenerate healthy soils, which depends upon the personal choice of the gardener. For more information on fertilizer choices, organic or inorganic, contact us!
C: Sunlight and Water Requirements
Finally, the gardener needs to think about the nature of the plants to be chosen relative to the garden site. Many plants thrive in the full intensity of all-day sunshine, while others prefer the coolness of full shade. Some plants even prefer a mixture of the two extremes. As with sunshine, plant varieties have different moisture requirements. So, the main objective to remember is that whatever the plant’s preference, success comes with understanding. There is a vast resource of knowledge throughout the network of extension offices and many people who are willing to help – don’t hesitate to contact them.
Now that you’ve done your homework, sharpen that pencil, fire up the tiller or head to the local nursery - go outside and play!
We have a vast resource of knowledge and experience to assist you – don’t hesitate to contact us.
