9 Things You Need Before Planting a Garden

Last updated on October 3, 2023

Here are the nine main things you need to know and do before you start preparing to plant your own home garden. Read on!

Are you thinking about planting a garden this year? If so, there are a few things you need to do before getting started.

In this blog post, we will discuss nine essential items that every gardener should have on hand before planting their garden.

So, if you’re ready to start, keep reading for helpful tips!

Do Your Research

planting home garden

Before you start planting your garden, it is important to do your research. This includes finding out what type of plants you want to grow and determining the best location for your garden. Additionally, you should also research how much sun and water your chosen plants will need. 

Doing your research ahead of time will make you more prepared for success when it comes time to plant your garden. Make sure to use your urban gardening resource site of choice to help you with your research! This way, you can be sure that your garden will be everything that you’ve dreamed of.

Think About What You Want to Plant

garden plant spacing

Before you start planting your garden, it is important to think about what type of plants you want to grow. Do you want to grow vegetables? Flowers? Herbs?

Once you know what type of plants you want to grow, you can research the best location for your garden and how much sun and water your chosen plants will need. 

Make Sure You Have Enough Space

If you’re planning on growing a lot of plants, it’s important to make sure that you have enough space. The last thing you want is for your garden to be overcrowded.

This can lead to problems like pests and disease. So, be sure to choose a location that will give your plants plenty of room to grow.

Clear the Ground

One of the most important things you need to do before planting your garden is to clear the ground. This means getting rid of any weeds or other plants that might compete with your garden plants for resources.

It is also important to loosen the soil so that your plants can easily take root. You can do this by tilling the soil or using a hoe or other gardening tool. Once you have cleared the ground and loosened the soil, you are ready to start planting your garden!

Check the Soil Quality

garden soil

Your garden’s success will be greatly influenced by the condition of your soil. You can test the quality of your soil by taking a sample to your local Cooperative Extension office.

They will be able to tell you the pH level of your soil and make recommendations for amendments if needed. If you want to test the quality of your soil yourself, there are a few things you can look for. 

The first is the color of your soil. Healthy soil should be dark brown or black. If your soil is light-colored, it may be lacking in nutrients. The second thing you can look for is the texture of your soil. The ideal soil for gardening is loose and crumbly. If your soil is too dense, it could be difficult for your plants to take root. 

Prep Your Planting Beds

One of the most important things you need to do before planting your garden is to prep your planting beds. This means getting rid of any weeds or other plants that might compete with your garden plants for resources.

It is also important to loosen the soil so that your plants can easily take root. You can do this by tilling the soil or using a hoe or other gardening tool.

Water At the Right Time

garden watering drainage

Watering your garden is extremely important, but you need to make sure you’re doing it at the right time. Water in the morning, before the sun gets too hot, and water deeply. This will help your plants to develop deep roots, which will make them stronger and more drought-resistant.

Try to avoid watering in the evening, as this can encourage fungal growth.  Watering at the right time will help your plants to stay healthy and thrive.

Protect Your Garden

covered garden beds

If you’re planning on planting a garden, there are a few things you need to do first in order to protect your plants. First, determine what kinds of plants you want to grow and research their specific needs.

Once you know what kind of plants you’ll be growing, choose the right location for your garden. Make sure the spot you choose gets enough sunlight and is the right size for your plants.

Maintain Your Garden

When it comes to starting a garden, there are a few things you need to do in order to ensure that your plants will have the best chance of thriving. First, you need to make sure that you have nutrient-rich soil. This can be accomplished by adding compost or manure to your soil before planting.

Additionally, you need to make sure that your garden is in a sunny location. Most plants need at least six hours of sunlight per day in order to grow properly.

In conclusion, there are a few key things you need to do before planting your garden. First, clear the ground and loosen the soil. Then, check the quality of your soil and amend it if necessary. Next, prep your planting beds and water at the right time.

Finally, protect your garden by choosing the right location and maintaining it properly. By following these steps, you can ensure that your garden will be healthy and productive.

Recap

Liked this article? Here's what you can read next: