GARDENING
TIPS AND
TRICKS
FOR BEGINNERS
Even if you don’t have a green thumb, you can have a
spectacular garden that all your friends will envy. With
just a few simple tips and tricks of the trade, you can have
a thriving garden in no time. Here are a few expert tips
to get you on the right track in creating a lovely garden.
Gardening by Region and Zone
One of the best ways to ensure that your garden is at
its best is to plant by region. Planting by region help
increase the survival rate of you plants and reduces
landscape maintenance. Also, what thrives in one area
does not necessarily mean it will thrive in another region.
Starting plants indoors also gives a head start for plants
that require a longer season.
One of the easiest ways to fi nd out your hardiness zone
is through the interactive USDA Plant Hardiness Zone
Map. Simply select your state or enter your zip code in
the search bar. You can also talk to someone in your
local garden center about the best native plants for your
region.
Get Your Soil Tested
The soil you use is one of the most important keys to having a successful garden. Soil is the base; it is where plants
get their nutrients for growth and survival. Actually, every plant requires its own unique soil requirements. Plants
fl ourish best in different pH levels; soil testing can help you determine what type of soil will ensure optimum growth.
There are several places you can get you soil tested such as at a university, college or at a nursery. You can also buy
DIY testing kits at hardware stores.
Compost
Compost will improve the quality of almost any soil. It adds nutrients to the soil to encourage healthy growth. In
fact, compost contains the three main nutrients for growing which is nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium. It also
has special micronutrients that are very important – iron, manganese, zinc and copper.
Creating compost is quite easy. Save your food waste and “feed” it to the compost pile. Great products for compost
include egg shells, coffee grounds, wilted lettuce, apple cores and other unwanted food items.
Grow Low Maintenance Plants
If you are new to gardening, it is best to start with plants that are easy to grow. Not only will your garden be
more successful but it will be a lot less work. In addition, growing “low maintenance” plants encourages successful
gardening that inspires more advanced techniques.
Page 10 - Call us at 410-684-2600 WALDORF PENNYSAVER June 20, 2018 - Zone 211