Transplanted a garden?
IIm moving into a new house in July with empty raised flower beds right outside of the kitchen. I would love to start a small garden as soon as I get there but I would prefer to buy plants and transplant instead of sew seeds.Can I do this? What plants can I do this with now in July? And any tips on getting this going are appreciated
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I am so excited for you, Chelsea! Congrats on your new house and garden!
If you're thinking veggies, July may be a little late to start, depending on where you live. But flowers and herbs would do fine. Just remember, some herbs can be invasive and are better grown in pots. If you want veggies, you can put in some late crops in Sept/Oct, but you have all summer to think about that!
The first thing you need to know is what climate zone you're in. That will tell you what types of plants are best for your area. You also need to decide what you want to grow. Flowers? Herbs? Veggies? Some of all three? This site will tell you what zone you're in: http://www.garden.org/zipzone/
I read once that it can take up to 10 years for a garden to mature, and I think that might be about right. We started with four 4'X4' raised beds and now, 10 yrs later, we have a little more than 175 sq feet of raised beds and it's just about where we want it. It's an evolving thing. It changes all the time, and every year it's different! We learn new things, we try new things, we brag on our successes and learn (and laugh) at our failures! Who knew lettuce would turn into a "tree" if you dont pick it? We do now! LOL!
You can certainly obtain plants for transplanting locally. We buy some of ours from our local garden center (Not a big box type!) but we also get a lot of our stuff via mail order. The nice thing about that is, they send the stuff at the right time for planting in your area! Here are a couple of my favorites: http://www.gurneys.com/ http://www.burpee.com/
I'm sure you have a bazillion more questions than cant all be answered here! Your local Cooperative Extension Dept has Master Gardeners at your disposal, free of charge, and they are just a phone call away! It is THE BEST resource you'll ever find! They can tell you anything and everything about gardening. Here is a link that will help you find yours! http://www.csrees.usda.gov/Extension/
In the meantime, while you're waiting for your plants to arrive, go out and start diggin in the dirt! Turn the soil over, remove any weeds/stones etc. You know that old saying, you are what you eat? Well its the same for plants! Good soil and water are the key. The better the soil, the better the yield you'll have. So this is the time to add any soil amendments if you need to. Your cooperative extension dept will offer soil testing. But this is getting a little advanced. If you just want some pretty flowers, or some fresh herbs or a few tomatoes, just stick 'em in the ground, water and you're good to go! But be careful, gardening is addictive and pretty soon you'll want to know the pH of your soil and who sells ladybugs locally!
Good Luck, and Happy Gardening!
Congratulations on your new home and becoming an Urban Farmer.
Using "starts", plants already growing, is the best way to insure you get to enjoy the fruits of your labor before winter. Be sure to select one bed for a "Kitchen Garden". Sow some lettuce seed, onion seed, plant a cucumber vine, and what ever you like to use fresh in the kitchen.
Some things like lettuce will come up during hot weather, but doesn't last as long as it does during cool weather, lettuce will go to seed quickly during hot weather, but you can grow it and get some use from it.
Pick your herbs carefully and blend them into the flower beds so they compliment the flowers.
Go to any garden store. They sell plants in pots and will be more than happy to sell you as many as you want.
Outside the kitchen I probably would start an herb collection and plant tomatoes, pepper, egg plants and whatever else you like. Throw in a few flowers for some decoration. Nasturtium has nice flowers which can get eaten...
Get this book:
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_0_7?url=sea...
Very good book. I've been gardening over 30 years and I learned from this book.
Yes you can buy plants, whatever plants you want. Go to a real garden center, not Walmart or Lowes and ask them for planting and care advice. They have the best plants and knowledge for your area. I don't know where you are.