Preparing Your Backyard Garden

If you’ve never gardened before, getting started with a new plot can seem overwhelming. It’s easy to feel paralyzed by options and doubts. This article will walk you through two key steps for a beautiful, low maintenance garden that will keep you smiling all season long. Before you know it, you may even notice you’ve developed a green thumb.

Wrangle the Weeds

If your backyard has never been used for anything other than grass, then it’s likely that you will have to wrangle quite a few weeds for the first few years as you establish your garden. Luckily, there’s a very simple technique for controlling unwanted plants that doesn’t require you to spend hours every weekend pulling weeds out of your new garden in the hot sun. Mulching is the practice of laying down a material that blocks the sun from reaching the soil, effectively preventing any weeds form germinating. Once you’ve planted your flowers or vegetables, simply lay down your chosen mulch on the soil around your crop to prevent any weeds from coming up. Straw or hay is the best choice for mulching a vegetable bed, while wood chips are the best option for shrubs and trees. Research the options in your area to find out what’s available. You’re just one simple search for mulch delivery Cincinnati away from getting your garden dreams off the ground.

Waste No Water

With the mulch taking care of the weeds for you, it’s time to turn your attention to water. Your garden’s watering needs will vary with your climate, your yard’s exposure to sunlight and the kind of plants you’re growing. Talk to your regional agricultural extension or a master gardener’s club for details about your climate and different crop needs. No matter how frequently you water, however, it’s important to use this precious resource wisely. Rain barrels are a great way to catch the water from your house’s gutters for use in the garden.

Feeling ready to grow? Follow these two simple yet important steps to get your garden started!