Start out small and increase your garden as time allows. Many people
start too big and become overwhelmed. Depending on your time constraints
consider plants that are relatively carefree versus plants which
are not. For example, daylilies which require very
little care while roses need much attention.
Resources
What type of yard do you have? Does your soil need to be amended?
If you've just moved into a sub-division chances are the developers
removed all the top soil before they built your home. If it needs to
be improved, start with small section. Consider composting
to improve your soil. Growing plants from seed will be less
expensive than buying plants.
Your Own Preferences
As you drive around which type of yards do you prefer? Formal or
informal gardens? Do you like greenery or lots of flowers? Do you want
to attract wildlife?
Would you like to view it from inside your house
or from your deck? Do you want to be able to sit in your garden?
Site Selection
Decide on the site that pleases you and then match your plants
to that site. Is it sunny, shady or partly shady? Does it
stay wetter than other areas after a rain?
Some plants prefer wet areas, some prefer dry ones. Does it receive
morning or afternoon sun? Plants prone to powdery mildew, such
as roses and lilacs, should have morning sun to dry them off, whereas
Hydrangeas droop in the afternoon sun.
Plant Selection Perennials are plants which come back each year from the roots and
annuals are plants which must be grown from seed each year. Both
types of plants can find a home in your garden. Generally, different
perennials bloom at different times throughout the year
providing you with on-going surprises and changes of scenery.
They also have the advantage of not having to be planted each
season. Annuals tend to provide blooms all summer, but need to
be seeded indoors ahead of time or purchased each season and replanted.
Some annuals such as forget-me-nots, nicotiana and moonflowers reseed
themselves. Using both annuals and perennials can provide you
with constant color and changes in scenery.
Gertie's Central Indiana Garden Favorites
Plants that like full sun
Plants that like partial sun
Plants that like shade
All American Flower and Vegetable Selection
(AAS)winners are varieties chosen for
superior performance in trials at more than 60 sites across the United
States.
Starting Plants From Seed Raising seedlings indoors can be a fun and rewarding hobby. Besides
the personal satisfaction gained, raising your own seedlings will give you a
head start on the growing season, save you money from buying plants, and
most importantly, give you an unparalled selection in varieties not
available at the local nursery.
Transplanting and Dividing Transplanting and dividing plants is a good way
to build up your plant inventory and to share your favorites with friends.
Care and Maintenance Plant maintenance involves periodic dividing, weeding, watering,
and pest control.
