About Gardening?

Question

Okay this spring I’m going to make my own little garden (Nothing big now) And I don’t know where to start off too... here some questions:
1) How do I stop the soil from washing away
2.) What will I need?
3.) How do I get rid of the bugs?
4) Anything special I need?
5.) What should I look out for?

Answer 1

You are gonna love gardening, don't try to do it all in one year. Get to know where the sun shines the most, and where the shaded areas are. Because you will need flowers for the sun areas, and flowers for the shaded areas.





Since you are a beginner, this year start your garden with plants that you get from a garden center or nursery. They are called bedding plants and come in a six pack. Look for a little tag sticking in the six pact showing directions on how to grow the plants. If the tag is not there, ask for one or buy something else. Directions are VERY important.





Seeds are not always easy to grow. And wildflowers are the hardest so don't be disappointed if they don't show up.





Two good things to do for yourself is to call your local County Extension Service and ask for all the information that they have about gardening in your area. They usually have a packet/kit of things for the home gardener.





And number two would be to pick up a couple of beginner books. You really do need to know about soil, compost, mulch and etc.





To keep from over watering or not watering enough, buy a water analyzer from a nursery or garden center. Be sure to read the directions. This will be one of your best tools.





Send for some free gardening catalogs and get use to the different types of plants, colors, and when to plant. They are filled with good informtion and pictures. And they will keep you company during the long winter months. Here is a list of just a very few. There are hundreds more. You do not have to buy from them:





http://www.waysidegardens.com

http://www.dutchbulbs.com

http://www.jacksonandperkins.com (Roses)

http://www.parkseed.com

http://www.burpee.com



Other catalogs:

http://www.leevalley.com

http://www.gardeners.com

http://www.GardensAlive.com

http://www.deerbusters.com (all types of animal control)

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Container/pots/window boxes needs:





All need holes in the bottem for water drainage,

Potting soil that comes in bags,

Slow release fertilizer for flowers (not for green plants), OR liquid fertilizer that will need to be used more often-read directions,

Water crystals to be mixed into the soil for holding water,

Bedding plants or full grown plants.





Here is an excellent link to check out for color combinations and plants that look good together:





http://www.fernlea.com/awesomeaccents/recipes.html

Answer 2

1) How do I stop the soil from washing away

Provided that your flowerbed is flat, this will not be a problem.



2.) What will I need?

First, determine what sort of soil you have.

http://www.cartage.org.lb/en/themes/sciences/earthscience/geology/Soils/SoilComposition/Typesgarden/Typesgarden.htm This site will help you. Scroll down about halfway.



Based on your determination about your soil, maybe some soil amendments like garden gypsum ( for clay soil ). Manure is a good organic fertilizer to add to any soil.

A good sturdy trowel, garden gloves, watering device ( watering can, sprinkler, hose etc ). Personally, I prefer a watering can when I'm planting. It's easier to get the water in the planting hole. These items should get you off to a good start. You'll discover other garden tools, etc. that you like or want along the way. Of course, you'll need your plants! Maybe you;ve noticed something growing in a neighbor's garden. Chances are it will do well in your garden, too.



3.) How do I get rid of the bugs?

That depends on the bug. A good broad spectrum insect spray from the garden center will help. I'm not a fan of insecticide because when you come down to it it's a poison. Sometimes you just have to spray a bit, though. I prefer insecticidal soap overall. It is not a poison. You'll want to learn which are the beneficial bugs and which are the bad guys. Here's a site that can help in identifying what you might find. It's aimed at vegetable gardening but these critters can show up in a flower garden, too. http://vegipm.tamu.edu/imageindex.html



4) Anything special I need?

You might like to have one of those kneeling pads. I love mine. You could use an old bath towel folded up, too.



5.) What should I look out for?

Check your flowerbed every couple of days. Watch for weeds and pluck them as they come up. This will save you having to deal with weeds taking over.



Good luck! I hope you will enjoy gardening as much as I do. My advice is to read all you can about growing things and how to manage pests in the garden. HGTV is a good resource. I love "Gardening By the Yard". Paul James is terrific. He has so much knowledge and common sense.

Answer 3

wow joanne put alot of work into her answer. give her 20 points!