Steps to start a nice garden

A West Chester garden can be a respite for your soul and a source of plenty of great vegetables at the same time. But a really nice garden doesn’t just appear from the garden fairie by wishing for it. You’ve got to plan it out.

Step #1. Don’t grow what you won’t eat.

Except for flowers, it makes no sense whatsoever to plant what you won’t eat. If you don’t like rhubarb, for example, don’t plant it.

Step #2. which is really an extension of #1 is to know your zone.

Different vegetables grow according to different seasons. If you live in Alaska for example, then plant cool-season vegetables such as cauliflower and cabbage. If you live in Phoenix or someplace hot, then think sweet potatoes and bell peppers.

Talk to local garden shows to determine what plants grow well in your environment.

If you are in West Chester, you may also need to remove some trees. There are plenty of options for West Chester tree removal if that is something that you need to do to start your garden.

Step #3. Think carefully about where you will locate your garden

Ideally, you will want to have about 5 hours of sunshine per day.

Also, think about how you will access the garden to water it and prune it.

Avoid windy areas and low areas where frost may settle in.

Also, be cognizant of local wildlife, pet damage and areas that children play in. All can ruin a garden. Ideally, pick a location that is fenced in.

#4. Plan your garden beds

Consider plating your garden in blocks rather than long rows. Also, don’t overcrowd your garden by trying to pack too many plants in a small space. Leave room to actually garden.

#5. Obtain basis gardening tools

You are likely to need::

• Hoes
• Dirt rakes
• Hand tools
• Pruning sheers
• Gardening Gloves
• And of course a garden hose with an adjustable nozzle.

Ask a few fellow gardeners what tools they use.

#6. Test your soil

A good garden needs good soil. You will probably want to take samples of your soil and take them to a good garden shop.

#7. Build your soil

A local garden shop is also indispensable for helping you build your soil. There are many things you can add to your soil to make your veggies and flowers grow like the dickens. They may be expensive but are worth the money.

#8 Buy the right seeds or seedlings

Quality seeds will produce the best results, while iffy seeds will produce middling results at best. You’ll probably give up after the first year if you buy poor-quality seeds.

#9. Work it.

Gardens take a lot of work. As the old saying goes, the best fertilizer is a garner’s shadow.

If you can’t spend 8 to 12 hours per week attending to your garden, then stick to the farmers market.

Or alternatively, plant a much smaller garden.

#10. Enjoy your harvest.

This is of course the easy part, but having lovely, homegrown vegetables along with a few flowers may be just what the doctor ordered for you and your family.