Starting a new garden plot doesn't need to be a challenge. By following a few easy steps, your garden plot will be ready for planting.
Choosing a Location for a New Garden
First, decide where you would like your new garden. Think about the type of garden or type of plants you wish to incorporate – do they need full sun or partial shade? Moist and well drained or dry and sandy soil? Will they spread out or be invasive, or are they small plants that do not get very large? What do you want to accomplish with your garden: Growing vegetables, a cutting garden, herb garden or moon garden, or simply a nice addition to your landscaping? By answering these questions, you can decide what area of your yard is best for your new garden.
Prepare the New Growing Area
Next, prepare the area you wish to plant. Remove any grass or debris, or other ground coverings that will make it difficult to plant. To remove grass to be planted elsewhere, simply slice around the area with a spade, then chop into smaller squares, making a grid pattern, Then take the spade and lift up the turf, placing it in its desired location.
You can also get rid of grass by smothering it with newspaper. Lay down a few sheets of paper, then cover with dirt. The newspaper and dirt will kill the grass.
Improving the Soil by Tilling
Your soil should be as nutrient rich as possible. One way to achieve this is to add a layer of compost. Compost can be purchased at the local nursery or home improvement store, or you can use your own. Add a few inches of compost to the top of the soil, then incorporate it in with a tiller, which can be purchased or rented from many stores.
After tilling once, you may not need to till your soil again. However, if your dirt is especially clay like, you may wish to add more compost and till again to add more nutrients to the soil.
Testing the Soil Yourself
Soil testing is essential to having a healthy garden. Testing can determine your soil's acidity and consistency, as well as for various nutrients. To test the soil, you can purchase a test kit at the home improvement store or local nursery, or contact your local university's Community Outreach program. An inexpensive soil test can help to prevent many common gardening problems.
Fertilizing and Adding Nutrients to the Dirt
If your soil is lacking in certain nutrient or you want to give your plants a jump start, fertilize after planting the first seeds or young plants have been planted. Add another layer of compost or use fertilizer specific to your soil's needs.
Starting a new garden plot doesn't take a lot of time and can reap huge benefits in your yard.
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