Our Top 5 Gardening Tips

With the last of the snow behind us, now is the perfect time to get your hands dirty and show your lawn some love. Whether that means adding colorful landscaping in the front, or a private garden in the backyard, these five quick gardening tips from Symphony Farms will help you choose what to plant and where it will work best.

1. Start small

If this is your first attempt at gardening, it is tempting to buy every attractive plant you see. However, it may be more manageable to start with a smaller collection. Opt for a few pots on the deck or balcony that are easy to bring in and out if temperatures drop, or herbs that you can keep on a windowsill. Plants like tomatoes, peppers, onions, and basil are good produce options for beginners. For flowers, look for options marked “hardy” that will survive a few forgotten waterings.

2. Pick the best location

Plants need sunlight and water but the amounts of both vary. Check each plant’s tag or do a little research online to see where your choices will thrive. If your yard gets inconsistent sunlight or has a lot of moving shadows, it may be wise to use a container garden on wheels or a trolley that can follow the sun.

3. Learn about the land

Another factor that affects plant growth is the quality of the soil. The U.S. Department of Agriculture divided the country and Puerto Rico into 13 Hardiness Zones based on local weather conditions. Gardner and South Johnson County are part of Hardiness Zone 6a with a minimum average temperature of -10 to -5 degrees Fahrenheit. The Old Farmer’s Almanac suggests flowers like asters, black-eyed Susans, clematis, chrysanthemums, and daylilies for Zone 6. Soil can be amended by adding specific nutrients if you are so inclined. An inexpensive soil test will determine what you need.

4. Consider containers or raised beds

If you have limited space or are concerned about interference from kids and dogs, consider using a raised garden bed or container instead of planting directly into the soil. This allows you to keep your young plants safer and eliminates some of the concerns about soil quality because you will fill it with fresh potting soil. Vegetables in particular thrive in containers where they can sit in full sun.

5. Get into a routine

When you grab your morning coffee, take a few minutes to wake up your plants too. Consistent watering and weeding will keep your plants healthy and happy. It may also help to keep a notebook with useful information like the date of the first and last frost or even tags from each thing you planted. Overtime, you can hone your skills with individual successes.

Living in Symphony Farms

If you are in the market for a new home in Gardner, call (913) 884-6300 or contact us. Symphony Farms would love to help build your dream home.