Preparing Your Outdoor Plantings

Gardening has become one of the most popular hobbies in the U.S. While outdoor yard work may seem a dreaded chore to many, there are those who relish the time they can get away from their desks and daily chores to go outside and commune with nature by mowing their grass or planting and maintaining flowers and vegetable gardens. This type of outdoor work is also great for enhancing property value. Even those who detest yard work must admit that a freshly groomed lawn is a thing of beauty!

While a well tended garden can be lovely, it is also be challenging and somewhat physically demanding. In the spring, you must get to work almost as soon as the first snow melts. Planting areas must be cleaned up from the fall and winter months and prepared for new spring plants. Most of us want to get our new flowers or vegetables growing as early as possible for earlier blooms and/or harvests. One way to prepare plants sooner is to plant seedlings inside your home or in sheltered environment such as a small greenhouse. There are many greenhouse kits readily available in stores and online.

Once your plants are ready to put into the ground, the next question is where to plant them. First, evaluate the types of plants you have. Some require well-drained soil while others like it wet. Some need full sun, and others need shade. If you take the time to pick the right spot in your yard to meet the needs of your plants, you'll have much better results in the long run.

The spacing of your plants is another important thing to consider. For example, if you are planting a spreading plant, you want to be sure it has somewhere to go, and that it won't overtake other plants nearby. Some spreading plants will grow like vines, and they can be trained up trellises, arbors, pergolas, or obelisks. These structures not only add a focal point to your garden, but they also help you save space by allowing plants to grow up instead of out. Arbors and trellises come in many styles and colors to compliment the look of your yard or garden.

You will also want to consider the maintenance of your garden. Are you able to bend over and/or sit on the ground to tend to your flowers and vegetables? If not, you may want to consider raised planting beds. Raised bed gardening is a wonderful option for people with limited mobility. Raised beds also work well for children's gardens because they are so easily accessible. They also tend to display your plants better because they are raised up in your yard, plus they allow for good drainage of the soil inside.

Now that your plants are in place, they will need ongoing care to flourish. Be sure to fertilize them and enrich the soil whenever necessary. Commercial fertilizers can be found at almost any garden center. Another option for those who are environmentally conscious is to make your own compost. Home composters can be made or purchased, and composting is a great way to enrich your plants and make use of the daily food waste that your family produces.

With proper planning and maintenance of your garden, you should see beautiful results throughout your growing season. Just don't forget to stop and smell the flowers while you are enjoying the great outdoors!