Gardening is a common weekend hobby for many homeowners. It gets you out in the yard and might be something you and your children could enjoy together. But before breaking ground on your latest horticultural endeavor, it is wise to take some time to plan out the garden. First, consider the garden’s function then find a spot on your property that will best suit that function. There are some factors that will be in your control and others that will not.
To start, the sun is the source of all gardens and the amount of sun your garden receives will determine if it is successful or not. Try to choose plant species based on how much sunlight your property will get. More sun is not always better for every species. Some species thrive in low light areas. Also, consider that certain sides of your house will receive more sunlight at different hours and for longer hours based on where you are located relative to the equator. In the northeast region of North America, the sun will hang around all day relative to the southern half of the sky. So the south side of the building will usually be the sunniest side. If, however, there are adjacent buildings that will block the light, the south is not always the best spot.
The next aspect of location to consider is soil type. While you can improve most soils by fertilization, softer mulched soil will be best for most flower and vegetable species. Clay, sand and gravel will only grow the hardiest species (usually weeds of one kind or another). Also, keep in mind the drainage habits of a particular plot. If there is pooling or swamping effect during heavy rains, it is a good idea to dig some drainage ditches to guard against flooding.
Finally, your geographic location will have more of an influence than any other factor on the ability of your garden to grow particular kinds of flowers and vegetables. The Agricultural Reserve Service of the United States Department of Agriculture has compiled and published a plant hardiness map which divides the country into eleven zone types based on distance to the equator, elevation and annual precipitation. The northeast United States and southeast Canada is comprised mostly of zone 5 and 6.
Although geography is an important factor, it is possible to heat up your garden to give less hardy plants a helping hand. Heat vents, like those from clothes dryers can be buried and keep soil warm and unfrozen into the colder fall months. Also, you can use various mulching techniques and plant bulbs to prepare in fall for the next spring and get a step ahead.
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