Even though it might not feel like it at the moment, Spring is quickly approaching, and it is time for you to start planning your garden. Planning ahead makes the most use of your available space, keeps you from overspending and limits wasted time. Use the steps below to help you plan your garden now for a beautiful display in the Spring, Summer and Fall.
Think about what you want your garden to do.
Is your garden a place to grow food?
Provide shade? Feed the birds? Or provide peace and beauty after a long day at work? Once you know what you want your garden to do for you, make that your focus for all your decision-making about the space.
Create a layout of your garden.
Use pen and paper to sketch out your garden. Google Earth, graph paper and a good #2 pencil will make this easier on you. You will make mistakes and that’s ok, use that old fashioned eraser to change your mind! Once you’ve sketched out the garden, then divide your garden into sections and label them. Sections might be labeled “annuals” or “shady area” or “garden art.” Any label that describes what you want in the section is fine. Measure that space out and write it on your garden layout.
Create your To Grow list.
Each plant has its own growing and blossoming time. Know your zone and the regional climate. In this area we are Zone 6b (-5 to 0°F) or 7a (0-5°). The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map is the standard by which gardeners and growers can determine which perennial plans are most likely to thrive in a location.
Determine the maintenance level of each of your plants. Are you willing to spend quality time every day in the garden to tend to your plants, or do you want a garden that needs little guidance?
Think about if you want containers to garden in, a hydro garden for vegetables or flowers. Make or purchase garden stakes to identify your plants.
Make a list of the plants you decided to grow. Read seed catalogues, visit garden shops and attend your local Garden Club Meetings. Members can share tried and true plants that you may want to consider for your own garden. Know if you want to grow seeds or plants. Be sure you know the sun and water requirements of the plants you choose. For some of you, making a spreadsheet for this information will be valuable. Read the seed packets as there is important information about when you need to sow your seeds, length of time for germination, blossoming time and harvest time.
Enjoy your garden!
With all this effort, plan to spend time in your garden. Create a cozy spot to read, a place to throw down a blanket to admire your work, or a small table and chairs to enjoy a cool, refreshing drink. Gardening is a lot of hard work, but the dividends are priceless. Your mental health will thank you!
Reach out to the New Town Garden Club by emailing Terri Steffes at terristeffes1117@gmail.com for information on any topics on gardening. We’d love to have you attend our monthly meetings which are held in Town Hall. Dates for all our meetings can be found at newtowngardens.wordpress.com