How to Landscape on Acreage

Take soil samples from different areas of your property. These samples can be tested at your local cooperative extension. Knowing what soil type you have will help you decide on the plants that will grow on your property.

Determine how much sun there is in your garden areas. Do this by tracking how many hours of sunlight fall in each area. Knowing whether you have morning sun, afternoon sun or mostly shady places will also help with plant choices.

Work in small portions; clear, dig and till areas that you can easily manage. If you try to do too much too quickly, you may burn out before you are finished landscaping.

Plant thickly, quickly. Space your plants as closely as possible. Follow the directions on the planting tags to know the spacing requirements. Smaller spaces fill in more quickly, giving weeds less of a head start over vast areas. Try and do this within a day or two following tilling.

Apply mulch to every exposed inch of the garden beds after tilling and planting. This will keep your weeding down as much as possible. When tending acreage, it is easy to let weeds take over. Mulch prevents weeds from germinating and it retains vital moisture.

Use quality compost as a long-term fertilizer. Compost breaks down slowly, making it a good way to feed your plants.

Water your plants deeply, less often. This will make them send down strong roots deep into the soil. Healthy root systems keep plants growing, even in drier times.

Place plants that require less care further from water sources. That will keep you from hauling water too far from the spigot.

Build outdoor rooms and gazebos. Sprinkle them throughout the property. Connect them with mulched or stone pathways. Solar lights work well with far-off buildings.

Plant several groupings of trees and shrubs to break up expansive areas of land; this will give the property a less daunting look and make it more intimate. Trees also break up harsh winds and provide cooling shade.

Build walls with rocks or shrubbery to keep kids contained in a safe area. Hide short chain link fencing by planting an attractive vine to scramble up it.