| I bought a house 2 years ago and haven't had a chance to do anything to the bare yard. I want it to look pretty but also be low maintainence since I work full time and have 2 kids under the age of 3. I would also like to start a small home garden. Suggestions? |
| It's probably best to start small and work your way around the yard doing one area at a time. Identify the sunny and shady areas - some plants have a preference - and reserve the sunniest for your vegetable garden. Start by removing the weeds in the area you want to plant and spreading 4-5 inches of organic matter over the bed. You can use compost, aged manure (fresh manure can be too hot and might contain weed seeds), shredded leaves or whatever organic matter is readily available in your local area. Dig or till this organic matter into the soil - 8-10 inches deep. Plant and mulch over the bare soil between the plants with additional organic matter. A 2-3 inch layer will help suppress weeds and slow water evaporation. At the end of the season dig the organic matter into the soil and add a fresh layer. Repeat this process annually and you'll end up with rich garden loam - and a spectacular garden. Hope this information gets you started to developing a beautiful landscape. |
