We just moved in and there is a preexisting garden in the back yard that hasn't been touched in years. I'm going to rip the hole thing out and start fresh. I know nothing about gardening but its been something I've wanted to do for a while. After I get everything out how should I go about replacing the area? (with top soil? fertilizer? Any tips, advice or good websites would be greatly appreciated
Get a good e book out of your close by library. examine with close by gardeners to make sure what does properly on your section. My precise information are: a million. settle on on a sunny spot the position you could water easily. 2. commence small -- do not attempt to do too a lot the first 365 days. 3. Dig a raised mattress about 3-4 ft huge, operating north to south. Use a lot solid topsoil and compost. 4. Plant only belongings you fairly favor to eat and that are intense priced or complicated to locate interior the shops.
Contact your County Agent for region specific information. Your soil will need to be tested for Ph and nutrients through your County Agent's office. A quick, easy fix is to do raised bed gardening.
While I'm sure there are plenty of extensive ways to get this garden started, I've recently encountered the same thing and didn't do much to get my garden on its way. I pulled all the existing plants out - trying to get the roots and all. Then I tilled the ground and went through picking up any weeds or roots that I missed. After I got everything cleared, I put down a layer of top soil and worked it into the existing soil. Dig out some rows and you're ready to go! Regular maintenance is the key. Like one person said, you could use Roundup to get rid of weeds, but I didn't want to wait WEEKS and I was afraid the weed killer being in the soil would effect new growth. Just get out there once a week and pull up any weeds you see popping through the ground. If you're looking for a cheap way to start seeds, try a recycled egg carton! I was really surprised at how well mine has worked out for me :) I got a bunch of tomato seeds started and in the ground in no time. It's probably a good idea to still check with the local nurseries to find out what kind of plants grow best in your area, as well as what pests to look out for.
You should know what is there. If it is a perennial weed, digging out out may not be enough. Ideally is should be Round-upped.....new word. Sprayed with Roundup, allowed to sit a few weeks before being removed. Once the land is clear, ideally the soil should be tested for nutrient content. It's a bit late in the season for that, there is often a month long backup. At least add compost to introduce back in necessary microorganisms. Compost has some nutrients, but not much. Fertilizers come in all makes and models. Initially stick with vegetable fertilizer. In time you'll learn how to save a bit of money. Generally a light fertilizer application at planting and then maybe every 6 weeks there after. Light is the key word, you can mess up a garden quickly with improper--too much-fertilizer. I suspect your state Cooperative Extension Serivice has good info on home gardening on their web pages. Each state has something: here are some examples of portals: msue.anr.msu.edu/ ohioline.osu.edu/ ohioline.osu.edu/
