First Garden Tips

Soil Analysis

• Contact your local county extension office to inquire about having your soil tested for fertility and acidity. The extension office may do the testing itself, or it may recommend a private lab. Take a soil sample using the container that the lab provides and in a manner suggested by the lab. Also, fill out the required paperwork. In return, you will receive a soil analysis and recommendations on how you can improve your garden bed. Do this several months prior to starting your garden.

Creative Planning

• Plan your garden on graph paper. Take measurements and lay out the design on paper. Then, cut out pictures from garden magazines and lay them on the paper. This is extremely helpful when first starting a garden bed. It will help you choose plants that complement one another and look nice together. Take note how tall the plants grow and when they bloom for good planning.

Soil Preparation

• A thriving garden needs adequate soil conditions. Rent a tiller at a local rental store or home improvement center. Till the soil. The deeper the better, but usually about 6 to 8 inches will do. Incorporate 3 to 4 inches of compost to help your garden drain water well. It also adds nutrients to your soil. At this time, also mix in any fertilizers or other elements that were recommended as a result of your soil test. If you didn't have your soil tested, for vegetable gardens, incorporate 2 to 3 lbs. of 6-12-12 fertilizer for every 100 square feet of garden space. For flower gardens, mix in 1 1/2 to 2 lbs. of an all-purpose fertilizer, such as one labeled 10-10-10 or 12-12-12, for every 100 square feet.

Other Tips

• Don't rush to buy plants on the first warm spring weekend. Many new gardeners make the mistake of planting a beautiful garden using nursery plants too early in the season. Know when your area is safely past its last expected frost date and plant outdoor plants after that date. If you're starting your garden from seed, start them indoors about four to six weeks sooner than the last expected frost. Don't forget to mulch your plants. Mulch helps prevent weeds and retains moisture, necessary for the summer months. It also insulates the ground, so if the weather does turn slightly cold, the ground will stay warm. It also keeps the soil cool during the summer.