Any recommendations or tips on starting a new garden? What I should start with or where to buy fruit trees from? Wal-Mart, Lowe's? I'm a beginner in the gardening world and would like to start taking advantage of the space in my backyard. I'd like to have fruit trees and more bushes + flowers. Thanks for any help! :)
I recommend starting with a local privately owned nursery. They usually have a wealth of knowledge on the plants that do well in your area. I find they are more knowledgeable than the employees in the big box stores. There is a lot of preparation required to amend the garden soil before buying the trees. You need create the right ph level, build in proper drainage, add organic matter, and ensure the location gets over 6 hours of sunlight. The small nursery owners can point out potential issues and solutions including the local insects.
4 likesThank you, I'll start looking for local nursery spots!
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i second sunny’s suggestion to find a local nursery. employees at local greenhouses are usually very knowledgeable about plants compared to big box store employees. there’s lots of factors that go into creating a garden, so my number one recommendation is research, research, research. i like university websites for free educational materials, the old farmer’s almanac has lots of planting advice too.
2 likesNever thought about the university sites- great idea, thank you!
0 likes Researching is key. Try the Agricultural Extension Services in your state. They use to do free soil analysis if you mailed them a sample of your garden soil. I’m not sure if that is a thing anymore. They would respond with the Ph level and additives needed to balance it. My soil is clay. Full of nutrients for plant growth. But, holds water forever unless it’s broken up with sand, perlite, organic matter, mulch and other additives. It will turn into a brick if it completely dries without the additives.
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There are so many ways you could approach it, depending on what you like and what will thrive in your region. You could start by researching which climate zone you’re in and then look for plants you like that will do well in your zone. If you like blooming plants/shrubs, a neat trick is to look up when certain perennials you like will be in bloom, and plant a variety of them so you’ll have something in bloom from spring right through fall. The previous owners of our house did this and it’s so amazing to see every year. I also added in a few types of shrubs with red wood and some evergreens so our garden would look great in winter as well.
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