About Me

Creating An Inviting Yard

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.

Creating An Inviting Yard

Want A Kitchen Garden? 5 Steps To Plant One You'll Love

by Addison Washington

For any avid cook, having a kitchen garden is one of the most enjoyable and healthy aspects of any landscape. But before planting your seeds, do a little planning to create an herb garden you'll love for many years to come. Here are a few garden design steps to take.

Keep it Close. A kitchen garden, as its name suggests, should be close to the kitchen. Think about how easily you can access the garden to pick fresh herbs while you're already in the process of preparing a meal. Make the walkway between door and garden well-lit, solid underfoot, and protected overhead from rain. You'll be more apt to use it frequently if it's a comfortable jaunt. 

Plan for Accessibility. Don't forget to plan for a garden a little bigger than you think you'll need. To keep the garden well-maintained and pick herbs easily, you will need to be able to walk around between rows, crouch down, and have room to use tools or make debris. Test the garden's layout by placing twine, rope, or even a garden hose. Then, practice reaching into and all over the beds themselves. 

Think About What You Use. Your kitchen garden should reflect your own style of cooking and eating. Take a look at your existing supply of herbs — both fresh and dried — to see what you actually use on a regular basis. Remember that some plants — like tomatoes or basil — may provide more food than expected at one time. Be sure you will enjoy the fruits of your labors when choosing garden plants. 

Put It on Automatic. The garden should make things more enjoyable for a busy cook or family, so automate some aspects of maintenance. Watering is the easiest thing to automate. Set up a drip system along with a timer that can be programmed to provide the correct amount of water. There are even modern systems that can tie in soil sensors to apps on your phone so you can monitor conditions for even the most fragile of plants. 

Prepare the Spot. Finally, take the time to prepare your garden's soil, light, and borders. Herbs generally are more sensitive to soil conditions and light, so take the time to ensure a good harvest from the beginning.

No matter what you want from your kitchen garden, planning ahead will help you design one that will yield tasty results for years to come. 

Share