Tuesday, April 14, 2009

New to Gardening?

Hi, I am completely new to gardening, adn I was wondering if anyone could proivide me with info adn help. We just purchased our first home and although the house itself is beautiful, the garden isnt. Let me explain.... We live in an upper cottage flat adn with most, the front is for the pepole who live below us and we thought the whole back area would be ours. However, that is not how it is. What I am trying to say is that ours is shaped like an L and it is a nice size. It does need to be levelled off though as it goes ona slope. I guess what I am trying to say is that we havent got alot of money to do this. Would we be better to get a few friends round adn start digging this summer?I myself think thats a daft idea but partner doesnt. My other question is, I want to have lovely flowers adn some veg growing out back but not sure when to plant ect. Are there any gardening books out their for gardening dummies such as myself? I want it to become a hobby in future.Thanks in advance

New to Gardening?
First get the ground levelled off and stand back and make rough plans. Then check out your soil type because then you will know what will grow well (I can%26#039;t grow acid loving plants like Rhodedendroms) you can get a soil checker from garden centre. A greenhouse is a good idea to protect things from the frost and wind and you can grow from seed. The best thing to do is ask neighbours and see what they successfully grow.
Reply:I am from Glasgow originally, living in a very cold Ontario.!!


When the weather gets better in the early spring, stand outside and really take a good look at the area you want to use.


Section off the area for vegetables if you want, but many veggies can grow in a flower garden, ( rememeber the old style of gardening in England where the peasants had to grow everything in one garden to feed themselves and still have flowers).


If you want flowers that come back every year( perennials) then decide to put tall ones at the back and shorter ones in front, remember that perennials take a few years to reach their full height and only flower for certain periods of time in summer. The best idea is to mix in annuals( only grow for one season) and that would give you constant color and allow your perennials to grow, without showing bare spots.


I have a 2 acre English garden here in Ontario, that I started from a farmer%26#039;s field,


so don%26#039;t get discouraged, it takes time to get it all planned, but once you become a gardener, you will find you will be constantly moving plants from here to there!


It%26#039;s called %26quot; gardeners disease%26quot; !!!


Seriously though, please get involved with your garden, it is wonderful therapy, and when you start to see your seeds grow, you will be amazed at how good you will feel. Do not choose exotic plants, they need a lot of heat, read your gardening books ,there are loads for beginners, get to know the plants and their needs, and you will be fine. Most of all, have fun!!!


Ena Clewes . Master Gardener
Reply:Try to look around your neighborhood. Check out what plants are there. choose what you find nice. I am sure your new neighbors are good source of information, be friendly and talk about the new project you want to do in your property.


Check out the book store there are a lot of books on gardening, landscaping and the likes, tune in to TV shows that features Home and Gardening like Lifestyle channel.
Reply:try www.davesgarden.com


they had a large data base on plants and their requirement.


best of luck with your garden.


working garden party will be nice
Reply:I have a landscaping degree,but I live in the south(Louisiana). I have no idea about cold areas. Go to a good nursery, or Garden Center, They have people who are educated in your area. So, sorry I could not help. good luck ! Merry x-mas
Reply:Now is the perfect time to dig the garden over because the winter weather will need time to break down the soil and make it perfect for planting. It would be a good time to add some compost. You could still have the party - just get plenty of mulled wine!





Try these sites:





bbc.co.uk/gardening





carryongardening.org.uk





rhs.org.uk (site of the Royal Horticultural Society)





Good Luck
Reply:The library would be your best place to start.Also talk to any gardener they are always ready to advise any beginner
Reply:Been a professional Gardener for 40 years and get asked this regularly. Best books for beginners are the %26quot;Garden Expert%26quot; series by Dr Dave Hessayon. Available in most garden centres for around £4-50 to £5-00.
Reply:A Gardening partry is a fab idea! A Days gardening for a curry and booze or BBQ if its nice.





Get to the library and you will have a massive choice.





If the garden is fairly sheltered you wont have a problem with veg as you can use polytunnels.





Get books about Landscaping on a budget, How to grow veg/flowers etc.



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