total beginner question on how to start

13 years ago

hello,

i didn't know where else to post this, i am looking for help on how to start from scratch! i would like to plant flowers on both sides of my frontyard path, also plant some herbs behind my house. there is crabgrass on the sides of my front walk (previous owner had flowers there). i am a new homeowner and have never done this. do i just turnover the grass then plant flower seeds? will the flowers "win" over the grass in sprouting?

also, in the back of my house there are these huge cabbage-leaf looking plants that i'd like to get rid of and plant herbs. do i just dig them up and plant seeds of what i want to grow? will those big plants be gone, or will there be seeds underneath that will regrow and compete with the new seeds i plant?

thank you so much for bearing with my complete lack of knowledge. i will really appreciate if anyone is willing to respond. hopefully by this time next year i will be much more seasoned about gardening!

Sort by:Oldest

Comment (1)

dianasan
13 years ago
You could turn over the earth, but that's hard work and it's almost certain that the weeds and grass will reappear. It's best to smother the grass and weeds with a thick layer of cardboard or layers of newspaper (about 10 layers thick), and then top with fresh soil and mulch.

In your post, you don't mention whether you want to plant your flowers and herbs now or if you just want to prepare the beds for planting next spring, so I'll give you the two methods I've used for each of the two cases.

For planting this year:

First of all, mow the planting area, cutting all vegetation (grass and weeds) as low as possible. Now, outline and edge your bed. Then dig holes where you will be placing your plants. Make these holes almost twice as wide and as deep as the plants. Take cardboard and/or newspaper and place all around the outside of the holes and over the entire area of the bed. Just rip the paper to size and layer thickly, being sure to cover every bit of ground. Then wet the paper thoroughly to prevent it from flying away and so that it hugs the ground, Now, top the paper with a nice layer of soil, as thick as possible.

In the holes which you dug, place some good earth and compost or composted manure and plant your flowers and herbs. Lastly, spread a nice thick layer of mulch around your plants.

Voila! Instant flower bed or herb garden in just hours, not days or weeks.

To prepare a bed for planting next year:

Same as above, i.e., mow and outline the bed, but do not dig any planting holes. Cover the entire bed with a very thick layer of cardboard or newspaper. Wet thoroughly. Add a good layer of soil which had been enriched with compost and other organic matter. Cover with another layer of cardboard or newspaper and then top with mulch.

By next year, the paper will have composted and you'll have a nice, weed-free bed for your herbs and flowers.

There are other methods, but this is how I do it. Just three weeks ago, I prepared a whole new 40-foot bed for future planting all by myself in just a few hours. Good luck.
Related Discussions
Beginner: What can i start planting in March?
Q
Comments (2)
Planting times - as mentioned - can be quite confusing, so I'm not offering any suggestions on which types of vegetables to plant in March. In my zone, I'm thinking about tomatoes already, tho they won't go outside until April - when weather is warmer, after frost possibility. One thing that I found helpful, when I was first gardening -was to find seed packets that had zone planting dates on the back of them. Although it doesn't help with areas that have "microclimates" it is still a good general idea of when that particular seed can be planted. Not all seed companies have these nice zoning maps, but if you are going shopping anyway, you might try to find this type of seed packet. I have some Ferry-Morse seeds and others that have these maps, and find them generally helpful. Also, you might pay particular attention to the posters on these forums, who live in your zone - and they can give you the best advice in this regard, from their own experience. Many states and counties have government agriculture Extension services, although California doesn't seem to have one, but we have access to other information in place of it. You will love these forums, so many helpful folks. Bejay
...See More
total beginner
Q
Comments (4)
yes it is somewhat of an upfront expense. what / how much are you wanting to grow? to grow one or two tomato plants you'd need a bucket, an air pump, some air stones, a couple of net pots, a little media, and some nutrients. total setup might run you $50USD. Of course, that system should last you many years and you'll probably outgrow it before it stops working. At the same time modifying your system to grow say 15 - 20 tomatoes might only jack the price another $100USD That is all of course variable but somewhat in the range, assuming you're a decent do it yourselfer. Testing equipment (EC, and pH) might run you another$100-$150. you can get by without it, but if you really enjoy what you're doing, you'll end up getting it.
...See More
Total beginner with questions
Q
Comments (4)
How are the long-leaves on the 50' fence different from the Siberians' foliage under the window? Taller? Does it seem quite different? They could be Spuria iris. Your terraced front looks terrific! I'm not acquainted with Bishop's weed but if it's too hard to eradicate by hand there are products that will kill foliage and roots --- Round Up is one. But any drift onto iris leaves will distort next year's flowers.
...See More
How many seedlings total are you starting this year?
Q
Comments (55)
Pro mix BX w/mycorise Yea, these seed suppliers have a tendency to put treatment on most commercial seed. I don't understand why because very few growers are direct seeding tomatoes in the field anymore. Most germinate in ideal conditions that do not warrant the use of the fungicide. I also noticed untreated seed has better shelf life and higher overall germ%#'s. "Advertising, in any form, is strictly forbidden in forum messages and on member pages. This does not mean that as a business owner you cannot use the forums or have a membership. It means you cannot use forum messages or your member pages as a means of advertising. Even our paying advertisers are not allowed to that. If you have a business, mentioning the name, providing a link, giving the phone number, etc., are all forms of advertising. Linking to an informational page or image at your site where items are sold is an advertisement. Linking to a site that in turn links to your business is an advertisement. If you post such a message under a pseudonym, it is still an ad. If you link to it from your member pages, it is an ad. In sum, if at least part of the reason you are posting is to let people know about your business, it is an advertisement. This is exactly what our paying advertisers are trying to do: get people to their site or business." I don't think you guy's/gal's want me banned from this site...
...See More

Related Stories

WORKING WITH PROS A Beginner’s Guide to Managing a Remodel

By Feioi

How do you make your design dream a reality? Here’s some project management know-how to help you work with your designer

Full Story

GARDENING GUIDES 10 Tips to Start a Garden — Can-Do Ideas for Beginners

By Alison Hodgson

Green up your landscape even if you're short on time, money and knowledge, with these manageable steps for first-time gardeners

Full Story

DECORATING GUIDES A Beginner’s Guide to Getting Wallpaper Right

By Sophie Baylis

Follow these experts’ wallcovering ideas and tips to help ensure a successful outcome

Full Story

DECORATING GUIDES A Beginner's Mini Guide to Buying Antiques

By Laura Gaskill

Experience the thrill of the hunt without ignorance ruining the spoils, with this guide to antiquing for novice buyers

Full Story

ART Collect With Confidence: An Art-Buying Guide for Beginners

By Laura Gaskill

Don't let a lack of knowledge or limited funds keep you from the joy of owning art. This guide will put you on the collector's path

Full Story

DECORATING GUIDES How to Decorate When You're Starting Out or Starting Over

By Fred Albert

No need to feel overwhelmed. Our step-by-step decorating guide can help you put together a home look you'll love

Full Story

105

GARDENING GUIDES 6 Steps to Get a Garden Off to a Glowing Start

By Amy Renea

Grow a lush, balanced garden from an empty patch of yard or neglected landscape spot with these easy-to-follow guidelines

Full Story

HOUSEPLANTS How to Grow Orchids Indoors

By Marianne Lipanovich

Orchids are the exotic aristocrats of the flower world and can make themselves comfortable in almost any home

Full Story

DECORATING GUIDES 9 Planning Musts Before You Start a Makeover

By Judith Taylor Designs

Don’t buy even a single chair without measuring and mapping, and you’ll be sitting pretty when your new room is done

Full Story

By Ventana Construction LLC

Ask these questions before signing with a contractor for better communication and fewer surprises along the way

Full Story

169

total beginner question on how to start

Comment (1)

dianasan

Related Discussions

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US