Clara Smith, Lowes Garden Specialist at the Roeland Park Store (2588) recently shared this information at the KU Med Nursing Center.
1st Determine the size Determine the size you will be working with.
Container gardens for small areas. Includes “flower” boxes and pots
A Raised gardens for medium to large areas. Can use blocks, timbers and trellises
Yard gardens for large areas or yards
Use fencing, sod cuts or metal edging to mark or separate a large garden area.
Yard Garden
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Study available land – and find the best area for drainage and access.
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Pick the types of plants you want and that will guide the spacing of rows or usage areas.
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flowers, herbs, veggies all have specific requirements (see the planting guides).
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Break up or remove existing grass/plants.
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Layout rows or segments using markers.
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Now plant!
Flower Types
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Annuals – must be planted each year
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Begonias, Dahlias, Canna, Impatiens, Verbena, Fuchsia and more…
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Perennials – last multiple years
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Bulbs, Lilies, Iris, Geraniums, Roses and many more….
Vegetables times
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Early season - spinach, lettuce, cabbage, peas, corn, potatos, cauliflower, lettuce asparagus
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Midseason -Strawberry, tomatoes, corn, okra, broccoli, watermelon, squash
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Late season - Raspberry, pumpkins, onions
Herbs May be grown from seed.
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Collect before flowering, dry and store, wash, cold running water. Drain or sun dry plants.
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Strip leaves using the top 6 inches without blossoms.
Flowers, vegetables, herbs - seeds or pots ?
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Seeds or potting can be used in most cases.
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Seeds can be planted directly into the ground after frost has passed. Seeds can be potted inside (Jan/Feb) and planted later (greenhouse).
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Pot-grown plants (including roses) or bulbs can be purchased and planted after frost danger has passed
Containers and Soil
Flowers – yard, raised or container Any type container/border. Usually next to or in house, around tree
Vegetables – yard or raised Larger container, any border. In yard or in/around house
Herbs - yard, raised or container Any container, any border. In yard or in/around house.
Other things to consider
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Check the condition of the soil by testing.
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For seeds or plants - plenty of sunlight and a regular watering is a must.
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As plants mature make sure weeds are controlled.
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Choose colors to add variety and add interest.
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Mulch when and where possible helps control weeds and retains moisture for plants to grow.
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Compost left over organic material
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Fences prevent plants damage
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Boundaries
Wood - Decorative fence , landscape timbers, railroad ties (larger and raised areas).
Metal - lasts practically forever.
Plastic - Rolls or decorative "fence" styles.
Stone, brick or concrete - Formal appearance -precast concrete, brick. (saw tooth/zigzag pattern).
Living - Living plants (Mondo grass, Dusty Miller, seasonal annuals).
Natural - With a garden spade, cut a V-shape into the sod
