Tired of looking out side to that half dead garden area? Dont have the money to hire a proffesional? Dont know where to begin? Thats no problem with a little research, and labor you can have a beautiful garden in no time.

1. When you are creating a garden from scratch the first thing you want to do is research the area. The more research done in this phaze will lessen any problems you may run into in the future. Check the area over different times of the day to get a good idea of how sunny the area will be. Water the area by digging a small hole, filling it with water then seeing how quickly the hole drains. Use this information to decide on a style of plant for your garden. Do they prefer full sun with well draining soil? Or some afternoon shade with damp soil?

2. Now that you know some of the key factors that will help/hinder plant growth its time to decide your gardens purpose. Are you wanting a low maintnance oasis? Would you rather have a small vegetable garden to grow what you eat? Mabye privacy? Once you have the gardens purpose its time to decide on the focal plant. This plant will tie into all other plants. Other plants will either help boost this plants curb appeal (example planting salvia with a foundation boxwood will add color to the bed while contrasting with the boxwoods green leaves) or planting a rose bush near an herb garden will attract pollinators. Make sure to find out how big the plants will be full grown to avoid over population.

3. Its time to find the plants you have came up with. Ask the nursery about their warranties, make sure the plants look healthy, and buy a few extra (to save a trip back to the store). Its also a good idea to get mulch to help your soil stay moist, and help keep pesky weeds at bay. Do not allow the mulch to get to thick around the base of plants (about 1 inch). Eveywhere else can tolerate 2-3 inches.