"Make your bed" is one of those statements that we each must have heard a million times as kids. As gardeners though, this simple phrase has a different meaning. "Make your bed" is all about preparing the soil for planting. Every gardener gets excited by the thought of finally getting his or her hands in the soil and planting out the newest plant acquisitions. The joy of finally getting to see the garden come together in spring is certainly a rewarding experience. However, the key to success starts before the first plant even sees the garden.
Soil amendment is just one of the steps we take at Seasonal Color by RRR Lawn & Landscape. Our designers are sticklers on "good preparation procedures" so here are some tips for your own lawn, landscape, and seasonal color. If it sounds overwhelming, give us a call, we'll do it all, 616-893-5765.
Soil Amendment | Flower Bed Design & Installation | Container Design & Installation
Custom Hanging Baskets | Rotation of Seasonal Annuals
Maintenance Programs including Fertilization, Deadheading & Watering
Maintenance Programs including Fertilization, Deadheading & Watering
The roots of a plant are the foundation on which that plant thrives. Good roots will generally mean that you have a happy, healthy plant that can survive the rigors of spring and summer. A poor root system means your plants cannot grow to their full potential and leaves them vulnerable to damage from insects and disease, which is why we order through Proven Winners for all of our Seasonal Color plantings. The most important factor for good roots is good soil preparation.
There are three basic types of beds you might be preparing. The first type is a brand new bed that has never been planted before. The second type is an empty bed that has been planted before and the third type is a bed with existing perennials, bulbs, and/or shrubs.
Brand New Beds
The first step when planning to add a new flower bed or even if you are simply planting a tree or shrub is to check if there are any buried utility lines on your property. In addition to public utility lines, you will want to make sure you have identified any irrigation lines that might be buried on your property.
1. Work the soil when it is moist, but not wet.
2. Turn the soil over to a depth of at least 12 inches.
3. Add 2-3 inches of compost and turn it into the bed.
4. Either cover the bed with a thick (3-4") layer of mulch or use a weed and feed to help keep weed seeds from germinating.
5. Top dress with another layer of compost to keep down weeds and preserve moisture.
Existing Beds
1. Add 2-3 inches of compost and turn it into the bed.
2. Work the soil when it is moist, but not wet.
3. Turn the soil over to a depth of at least 12 inches.
5. Top dress with another layer of compost to keep down weeds and preserve moisture.
Existing Beds With Plants
1. Add 2-3 inches of compost and work it into the top layer of soil, if possible
2. Work the soil when it is moist, but not wet.
3. Do not allow the compost to come into contact with plant stems
5. Top dress with another layer of compost to keep down weeds and preserve moisture.
Preparing the soil in your beds doesn't have to be difficult, although it is great exercise. Adding organic matter is the one thing that all soils can benefit from whether your soil is sand or clay based. The addition of organic matter is beneficial, even if you are blessed with loam soil. Are there more in-depth steps that can be taken? Sure. However, this is a good place to start.
You may also be asking where you can get compost or organic matter. You can make your own, you can buy it from your local garden center, or many municipalities have compost for sale or even for free.
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