Help with starting a new garden

13 years ago

Hello,

I just purchased a home. This property was neglected and though we fixed the inside before we moved here the yard is a big mess. Its full of weeds, weeds and weeds. I don't know where to start .

Here s a list of some of my projects a plan to do-

1) I want to make a flower bed and plant some perennials in a patch measuring 8'X 5' right by the front door.Whats my best bet - to start with the layering newspaper/cardboard and mulch soil and plant right away or wait till spring.? will this method take care of the weeds? and should i till before layering or just mow them down and start? How much new dirt should I get to cover this area.

2) How to kill the weeds in rest of the lawn and make it green again ,make it weed free. Will Round up help?

3) what tools will i need to accomplish this? I just have a lawn mover.

I am absolutely new at gardening and this is my first project. Please help me with your advise suggestions.

thanks alot.

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Comments (2)

marlingardener
13 years ago
Get a handle on the lawn before you start planting anything.
In the 8'x5' bed by your front door, mow it very close, scalp it, and then apply Round-up. Do this two or three times, and you will be able to plant this fall, which is the best time to put in perennials. Don't overcrowd your perennials--that bed isn't nearly as big as it looks now!
A weed free lawn is an admirable goal, but difficult to attain. You want healthy grass that will eventually choke out most weeds. There is a pre-emergent that you can apply in very early spring which will take care of most weeds. If the weeds are broad leafed, you can get a broad leaf herbicide and use that now. Keep it away from any plants you want to save. After you mow several times (and don't scalp the whole area, grass needs blades to stay alive and to thrive) you'll see a definite improvement in your lawn. A gentle feeding of balanced fertilizer in early fall can't hurt.
In addition to a lawn mower, you will need a digging fork, a pointed shovel, a leaf rake and a garden rake. A leaf rake is fan shaped and has flexible tines--a garden rake is straight with short strong teeth, something like a comb with a handle. Buy the best tools you can afford because you're going to be using them a lot for a long time. I personally like wooden handles on my tools, rather than fiberglass--more hand-friendly! These are the minimum tools. You'll find you need others as your gardening experience grows (pun intended!).
Be patient, don't expect overnight results, and above all, enjoy your new yard and garden. Playing in the dirt and the greenery is such fun!
hn308
Original Author
13 years ago
thank yo so much marlingardener for replying my post.
As per your advice, I have moved , scalped the 8'x5' area and plan on putting round up this weekend. After 2-3 applications I plan on layering with newspaper and starting with fresh soil since the soil is nothing but rocks. I have bought topsoil and mulch from lowes. Do I need to add anything in this soil to make it nutrient rich? Again the soil is full of ants earwigs and other bugs . Do i need to put some bug killer as well or just adding new soil will be enough.Then early fall( ie september) I plan on planting 1 hollyhock, 1 evening primrose , 1 catmint walkers low and 2 yucca color gaurd. Will it be too much for this 8x5' space.

Also you mentioned about applying a broad leaf herbicide now. anything that you suggest? I dont want to save anything as its only weeds and weeds and I want to satrt fresh. I know it will take time but I want do start doing things now so next year my yard is in better shape.
I know this is a long post but your advise is very valuable and I am solely relining on this forum for my gardening project.
thanks again!!
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Help with starting a new garden

Comments (2)

marlingardener

hn308
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Help with starting a new garden

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marlingardener

hn308Original Author

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hn308
Original Author