My husband and I are putting in our first flower beds. We have taken up the sod and are adding about 6 inches of topsoil, then plants, then black mulch. We have our own topsoil that has been taken out of one of his fields that has been recently fertilized. He says it's a 15-15 mix (with nitrogen). Will this topsoil be ok to use? I hope so because we have already started!
How do I prepare the soil in zone 8 (St Tammany Parish) for planting flowers and vegetables?
Preparing the soil for any type of garden is essentially the same. Use the information in this article to get started: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/vgen/vegetable-garden-soil.htm
I just finished construction of a new porch and am now trying to prepare a new flower bed. Is it necessary to put something up against the lattice to keep the dirt from falling through? If so, what would you suggest?
Maybe some landscaping logs would help keep the dirt in place.
How do I start a garden in a freshly cleared wooded area. It will be flowers and herbs and I will have a vegetable garden in the pasture and it will be a new plot also. Will I need lime to reduce the wood acid? Any help will be appreciated.
I would start out by getting the soil tested (https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/testing-soil.htm). This will tell you where the soil stands and if it does need to be treated for acidity or other problems. If it is acidic, this article will help you: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/lower-acid-soil.htm
I would also take the time to add rotted manure and compost, as much as you can. When starting a garden, you only get one chance at the beginning to make the soil the best it can be.
About a month ago, I covered my lawn with newspaper & steer manure. When is it safe to begin planting? I usually start new perennials in Oct & Nov, but am afraid that grass will sprout if I water the new plants.
thank you! I did use composted steer manure. I think I will wait one more week before I start introducing plants to that area.
Usually the grass will be killed after a month of being covered. However, there may be some seeds that will still sprout; that's why some people prefer the heating quality of black plastic in stead of newspaper. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/weeds/how-to-kill-grass-naturally-kill-unwanted-grass-in-your-yard.htm
Another consideration is the steer manure. If you're using composted steer manure, no problem. If however it's fresh cow manure, that should be allowed to dry for a year before using it on plants, and especially seeds. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/composting/manures/steer-manure.htm
What is the best seed catalog for a beginning gardener?
Seed catalogs are a wonderful source of product and inspiration for any gardener, beginner or experienced!
Visiting your local garden centers is another way I would encourage you to gather information.
If you have any friends who garden, don't hesitate to ask them where they shop for their seeds or garden supplies.
General searches on the internet on garden seed company's will yield you a long list of such sources.
Be mindful of your growing zone and gardening conditions.
Gardening Know How is a wonderful place to learn about gardening! Stop here often!
Here is a few articles to get you started. Good Luck and welcome to gardening.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/starting/how-to-start-your-flower-garden.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/planting-zones/
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/vgen/starting-vegetable-gardens-guide.htm
Can I cover a grassy, weeded area with plastic and then fill with dirt to start a garden or does it absolutely have to be dug out? I am limited in my physical abilities as well as a bit challenged monetarily, so hiring someone to dig it out for me would be difficult. I want so badly to have a garden! Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Hi Carolyn,
Welcome to gardening!
I would love to recommend a raised bed garden for you. This would eliminate the need for you to dig up your garden area.
Raised beds are such a wonderful way to garden. If you have physical limitations, a raised bed is so much easier on your back.
You can even work your garden bed from a garden bench!
Many garden centers offer precut, simple to assemble beds. You can even have them help you with the correct soil mixture to add to your bed.
Planting, weeding, watering, and harvesting all will be much easier for you!
Here are several links for you to get you started!
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/vgen/raised-vegetable-gardens.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/accessible/building-table-gardens.htm