What elements do you really need to start a garden? The simple requirements are soil, water and seed. But what about location of the soil, the type of soil, and its structure and content? How much water is necessary, and how will you deliver it? Thousands of seeds in garden varieties are available. How will you narrow your choices? Do you really want seeds, or should you get transplants instead? See what I mean, it's simple.
Let's begin with the first choice every budding gardener must make: the site of the garden. Whether you are landscaping a small, city plot or planting a large, country garden, you still must take stock of your site first.
Imagine what you'd do if you could choose the perfect garden site.
The Perfect Garden Site Avoids:
® Low-lying pockets. Frost settles in low areas, air does not circulate freely.
® Exposed hilltops. Exposure to wind and temperature extremes makes gardening a challenge.
® North-facing slopes. They receive less sun and are often cooler than surrounding areas.
® Shade, if planning a fruit or vegetable garden.
® Compacted ground, such as former parking lots or areas where
heavy machinery has been used. It's murder to convert such areas into decent growing soil.
® Subsoil. Unfortunately, this describes almost all new housing sitesas well as parking lots, because contractors often scrape away precious topsoil.
® Sand or clay. Both extremes have their challenges.
The Perfect Garden Site Features:
® A gentle south-facing slope. It will receive full sun and the slope facilitates both water drainage and air circulation.
® Well-draining soil. Test by digging a 1-foot-deep hole, and filling it with water. If it takes more than a few hours to drain, you may want to take steps to improve the drainage. (See "Soil Toil," page 9.)
® Fertile, friable loam, rich in humus. Nobody ever just finds soil like this; it takes years of building. But it is nice to dream about it in a perfect site.
® Full sun. Many plants prefer it, and you can surround those that require shade with trees, shrubs, or garden structures.
® Available water. Realistically, how far are you willing to lug the garden hose?
Make the Most of Your Site by Finding Out About:
® The average rainfall for your area.
® The average first and last frost dates, from which you can then calculate your anticipated growing season.
® Low temperatures in your area and your USDA Zone designation.
® Your soil's pH.
And Consider Such Facts As:
® Gardens in cities are warmed by the artificial environment surrounding them, which extends the natural growing season. Plants and gardeners also must be able to tolerate air pollution.
® Seaside gardens get whipped by salty winds, but are buffered from sudden temperature changes.
® Nearby bodies of water substantially change the immediate growing conditions. They retain heat through the day and release it over a prolonged period of time.
® Higher elevations usually mean lower temperatures.
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