I have always been one of those people who loves to create a warm, inviting atmosphere for others, which is why I started looking at landscaping design in the first place. It was incredible to me to see how much of a difference I was able to make by adding a few new plants, and after that first project, I wanted to help other people. I started volunteering to help friends and neighbors do their landscaping, and after a few months, I had developed quite a following. This blog is all about creating a warm, inviting yard through smart landscaping and an eye for detail.
Planting a vegetable garden in your landscape can be one of the most exciting times for you as a homeowner. But unless you have a solid plan on how to plant and maintain your garden, your landscaping project might not be as exciting as you want it to be. Some of the issues you potentially face are not using the proper soil and nutrients before you plant your seeds or not keeping your garden healthy after your vegetables grow. You can solve these problems with the right information.
Choosing the Right Soil and Nutrients
One of the very first things you want to do is check the soil on your property. Although it may seem simple to pick a plot and plant your seeds, your garden won't thrive without the right soil conditions. Most vegetables and plants require nutrient-rich soil that drains properly when you water them or when it rains. The soil should also be loose and not dense like clay or gritty like sand.
The soil should also have the right pH factor to support your garden's vegetables. Although the pH needs vary for different types of vegetables, keeping your soil's pH level between 5.5 and 7.5 is ideal. As long as you fall into that pH range, your plants should do well as they grow.
It's a good idea that you purchase a soil tester and sample different areas of your property to find the right location for your garden. If none of the soil tests reveal the pH ranges above for your vegetables, try modifying the soil to accommodate your seeds and plants. For instance, if the pH levels are too high for any of the vegetables you plan to grow, add or mix sulfur or aluminum into the soil to lower it. If your efforts don't improve your soil's condition, contact a landscaper and ask them to examine your soil content.
A landscaper may suggest that you amend the soil with organic, or natural, matter like compost to improve it. Organic matter adds oxygen and natural byproducts to soil in order to nourish and sustain it. Some sources reveal that soil rich in nutrients encourages plants to grow well. The nutrients include:
If your soil lacks the right nutrients to keep it balanced and nourished, your vegetables may not grow as well as you want. A landscaper can help you find, and possibly maintain, the balance you need. Once you have the right soil conditions and nutrients in place, you can take the proper steps to maintain your garden as it grows.
Maintaining Your Garden
One of the things you want to consider closely is how you plan to water your vegetables. If you choose to water your plants manually, be sure to follow a schedule you can keep easily. For instance, if you water your plants once in the morning and once in the evening, try to maintain these watering times as much as possible to keep your vegetables healthy. Skipping or changing your watering schedules may not be in your vegetables' best interest.
If you need help with your watering schedule, consult with a landscaper. A professional may specialize in irrigation systems that work well for your particular garden. An irrigation system also allows you to water different vegetables without the fear of over or under watering them. This is very important if some of your plants need little water and other vegetables require a lot.
It's also important that you maintain the grass and other plants surrounding your garden. Weeds, crabgrass, and other destructive plants can absorb the nutrients found in your garden's soil and starve your vegetables over time. You want to remove destructive plants from the soil regularly to prevent these issues.
To learn more about keeping your garden health before and after planting, contact a landscaper from a company like Boyer WH today.
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