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Soil preparation is EVERTHING. Of course, different plants want different elements such as more sand or high acidity but I’m talking about good old fashion dark brown, full of worms, garden dirt. If you have worms you have “life”. If you have life the garden will thrive. Here’s how you get it…

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Gardening can feel so intimidating even I, at times, fret! Nature is baffling and powerful. So, I thought we’d talk about the basics first.

When I feel intimidated by gardening, I remind myself the number one rule of gardening…….observation!!! All I have to do is pay attention and the garden will be just fine. There are really only three primary things to observe, Soil, Light, Water.

You need decomposing matter. That could come from manure or compost such as Mushroom compost (my favorite!). I use both half and half. Bags of topsoil can be bought but I prefer to start a new garden (or amend a bad spot) with a topsoil blend mix bought from almost any quality plant nursery or Co-op. Whatever you choose to use make sure your soil is a rich dark brown and has a “loose” texture. You know you have the texture you want when you can pick up a fist full, open your hand, and the soil breaks apart if you thump it lightly. If you can’t cultivate (loosen the soil) simply top dress. Top dressing means applying a layer on top of your soil. Again, 3 to 4” will do.

Always turn the soil before you add your ingredience. If you can’t turn the soil 4 to 6” deep at least loosen as deep as you can with a shovel, hand trowel, or hoe. Take 2 to 3” of your “blend” and turn it into your soil. Thus turning (or loosening) your soil twice! This insures pliable topsoil for the roots of your plants. They’ll reward you later!

Determining light is much easier. Eastern (morning), Western (afternoon), Northern (no direct sun) and Southern (eleven too early afternoon). Full sun means you have 4 hours or more of DIRECT sunlight. Partial sun means more sun than shade but not a hot sun like you would get from a southern or western exposure. It’s more relevant to a cool morning (Eastern) sun. And, of course, partial shade means more shade than sun.

If your plant gets scorched (brown crunchy leaves) it’s getting to much sun and should be moved to a shadier spot. If your plant is “leggy” and pale in color it needs more sun. You can always tell if a plant needs more sun because it will tend to “reach’ or lean toward the light. Pay attention to the tag that comes with you plants. If it says no direct sun it means it. Don’t waste your money being in denial…I see it all the time!

Now, water is the biggest mistake made in gardening (inside and outside)! Either we water too much or don’t give enough water. The basic rule for watering is: Water ONLY when the top three inches of soil are dry! That goes for plants in ground and in containers. If a plant is not getting enough water, of course, it gets “droopy” and is pale in color. The leaves may feel flimsy and not firm. Eventually, it will defoliate, which means it will drop its leaves quickly and suddenly. Always remember this, when watering it’s not how often you water but how WELL you water. If you water “deeply” it saves you time and keeps

In closing, here are the tasks I did this week:

Cut back all summer perennials that are done blooming down to the “basil growth” (new growth). If no basil growth I cut them completely back.

Cultivated (loosened) mulch in beds

Sprayed fungicide on plants (and mulch) w/ powdery mildew or fungus. Especially roses

Spot watered individual plants that the sprinklers and irrigation missed

Deeply watered all newly planted or young trees

Deadheaded (removed spent flowers) on all summer blooming plants such as butterfly bush, Coneflower, Joe Pye, etc…

Bought and sowed summer blooming seeds and bulbs such as Dahlia bulbs, sunflower, Cleome, etc…

Killed areas w/ weeds and unwanted grass for new gardens! This should be done while still in active growth.

As always, drop me an email if you have any further questions!

Now, go play in the dirt!

your plants from getting stressed. When watering take your time! And, don’t use a hard spray from your hose. Give the water time to soak in and make sure it’s not bouncing off the soil while you water.

If a plant is getting too much water, it gets black tips usually first! Often, if it’s a container plant, you will see little black flies. You may also see “crown rot’ which means the base of the plant is black and will break off. The soil will smell like mildew and when you hold a fistful it sticks and holds. Over watering is the biggest mistake with houseplants in particular! If you have over-watered, simply loosen the soil around the root system. Remember, only water when the top three inches are dry!

The tag that comes along with your new plants tells you everything you need to know. READ IT!

The only other basic you need to know is your Cold Hardy zone. That will also be on the tag. Knowing your “zone’ will let you know which plants can take your winter temperatures. If the tag says “tender’ for your zone that means the plant may need winter protection such as being covered with a heavy mulch or will survive the winter outside but in a protected dry place like your garage or basement.