Using a Garden Plan to Organize Your Yard
A garden plan will help you organize and visualize the ideas that you have for your backyard. If you are using a paper and pencil or a computer program such as EdrawMax This step will help you make sure that your garden is what you envision.
Most vegetables do best in a sunny location that is near water sources for irrigation. Many gardeners agree that planting rows north/south is best to avoid taller plants shading shorter ones.
Sun and Shade
When you plant your garden, it's crucial to consider the amount of shade or sunlight the area gets. If you plant a flower that thrives in sun in a shady zone, it might not grow well and bloom. On the other hand, a shade-loving flower which is planted in too much sun will get burned and die.
The cardinal directions, as well as the location of large trees and structures, can affect how much sunlight each section of your yard receives. One method to determine the amount of light in your yard is to draw an sun map. Take note of the area for about an hour or so per day, incorporating shadows cast by tall structures and tall plants. Over the course of a few days Note when each area receives direct sunlight and for the length of time.
If you're struggling to get full shade, think about climbing up trees to lighten the canopy. This lets more sunlight penetrate the lower branches and helps shady areas look healthier. Containers can also be used to grow herbs, grasses and flowers in shady areas. Annuals that are cultivated directly in the soil won't bloom as well as those in containers. The Old Farmer's Almanac Garden planner allows you to select plants that work in shady spots. Simply click on the 'Partial Shade Tolerant' filter on the selection bar to view the options.
Water
This plan is based on plants that can withstand with little irrigation to keep the water consumption in the garden at a manageable level. Nature-designed drought-tolerant plants have specific characteristics to aid them in their survival, such as the thick succulent leaves that hold in moisture and a slight fuzz that clings to morning dew. Start by penciling in perennials and shrubs. Planting larger plants first is ideal because they require more space. Do not add border ornaments like stepping stones or mulch until the garden is almost complete. These items add up quickly and are often costly to install.
Compost
Incorporating compost into the garden improves soil quality, boosting its nutrient content and water-holding capacity. Compost is a source of soil microbes that suppress pathogens, reduce diseases, and reduce the need for chemical fertilizers. Compost is produced by the decomposition of organic materials, such as pet waste, plant trimmings and edible food scraps. This results in a rich humus which can be used to fertilize plants.
The ideal place to begin a compost pile is on bare soil instead of in a bin. This allows worms and other beneficial organisms to get into the pile. Place a few inches of straw or twigs on the ground to aid in aerating the compost and slow down its breakdown. The pile should be set in a shaded area and an area that has good drainage. Avoid placing a compost pile close to a dry or shaded area that may attract rodents.
Aim for a ratio between two and three parts of carbon-rich (browns), and one part of nitrogen-rich (greens). Alternate layers with green and brown ingredients. Avoid adding large amounts of a single type of ingredient, such as all your leaves at once. This can limit air flow and cause the pile of ingredients to become too hot.
A variation to traditional compost piles is to dig a trench that will hold the ingredients, and then cover it with garden soil. This method is used to cultivate vegetables such as climbing beans in rows. The rich, nutrient-rich and moisture-retentive compost assists in feeding the plants and promotes vigorous growth and huge yields.
Fertilizer
Photosynthesis is the process through which plants produce their own food, but it takes time. When the food sources of plants are not available or is depleted, man-made fertilizers are used to boost nutrients. Most commercial fertilizers have nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Some also include other elements that are beneficial in smaller quantities such as calcium and magnesium.
Natural and synthetic fertilizers are available, however you must be sure to read the labels to find out which one is best for your garden. Some fertilizers contain chemicals which can have a negative effect on the environment. They should be used separately to avoid negative adverse effects.
Before purchasing seeds or transplants, take time to decide which crops really interest you and how much of your area you can devote to a garden. Decide on your hardiness zone, and then consider which vegetables will thrive in that. Plan to rotate crops in order to increase the fertility of the soil and yields of the crop.
A garden plan will also aid in determining the best location of beds, borders pathways, and garden structures. Incorporating these features prior to when you begin planting will aid in avoiding confusion as you work and save you time. It can also give you the opportunity to clearly mark the scale plan of which hardscape and softscape features you want in your yard. You could, for example create a seating area or shaded pergola within your garden. You can also include gravel paths or paving to connect your garden plant s.
Pests and Diseases
While many gardeners appreciate the satisfaction of gardening, there is the risk that pests and diseases can impact a planting. There are a variety of simple strategies can help you avoid many diseases and pests before they have the opportunity to propagate.
Start with a healthy soil. The more nutritious it is and the more nutritious your plants will be able to resist damage from viruses, fungi and bacteria. Incorporate regular additions of organic matter like compost to encourage thriving populations of microbes as well as other organisms that help promote healthy plants.
Develop a variety of plants that attract beneficial insects. These beneficial insects consume pests that would otherwise eat or pollute your plants. By attracting these natural predators, it is possible to reduce the amount of pesticides that you use and stop the aphids from ruining your crops.
Examine your plants on a regular basis for signs of pest or disease infestations. Check for damaged leaves, thin growth and discoloration, wilting or wilting stems, leaves, and flowers. These are the first signs of a problem with a plant. It is important to treat them immediately to prevent an outbreak.
Identify the kind of disease or pest that is causing the problem and take steps to fix it. For instance, if your tomato plants suffer from brown spots, examine the roots for signs of nematodes fusarium or verticillium, all diseases that can be brought in by pests, and could quickly kill your tomato crop.
Tools
A garden plan can help you organize many aspects of your gardening, from the kind of plant to plant next to the border to the optimum times for harvesting. It will also help you stay on top of crucial tasks like watering, fertilizer application and pest control. There are a variety of free garden planning software are available on the internet. These programs are great for people who are new to gardening or are looking to make the most of their space.
Some of these plans come with pre-designed templates to help you get started and others allow you to start from scratch. Most of these garden plans let you zoom in or out and move the drawing around to create it exactly what you want. You can also include boundaries, such as fences or walls, design sprinkler systems and then plant trees, plants and bushes.
This web-based tool by Anglian Home was originally designed as a guide for vegetable growers however, it has since evolved into a powerful interactive online tool that can be used to design any type of garden. It will guide you through the process of selecting plants and vegetables that thrive in your climate, and give you the top tips to succeed in growing and harvesting. It will also look at the weather conditions in your area and recommend the best dates for planting and harvesting.
This garden planner is designed towards trees and flowers than vegetables, but it's worth a look. As opposed to other garden-planning software, this one makes use of 3D rendering and provides you with a birds-eye view of your yard.