Hey everyone! My husband and I bought our first home last year, but we moved in too late in the spring to start our outdoor gardening plans. Now that we've settled in, I want to get started on flowers, bushes, and a vegetable garden in the backyard. I've noticed many homes have plants close to their foundations, and I'm looking for advice.
One big concern is about water drainage; I've read that it's important to keep water away from the foundation to avoid basement issues, and while ours is fine right now, I'm cautious. There are vents that allow air into the basement, and if I water my plants, that could spray into those vents.
Additionally, there's an 18-inch overhang around the house that makes it tough for plants to get water from the rain, and I tried planting some Hostas but they dried up quickly. The area under the overhang gets very little rain and a lot of sun. I'm considering installing sprinklers, but I'm worried it might cause water to seep into the basement.
I want to create a colorful garden around my porch and alongside the house, but I'm unsure of the best approach. Is this the right place to ask for guidance?
1 Answer
It sounds like you might be trying to get plants to grow in challenging conditions! I would advise against planting under the eaves since it’s intentionally dry there. Instead, try planting at the drip line of your roof or even a bit further. That way, your plants can benefit from rainfall and help keep the foundation dry. You can shape the soil to slope away from the house, too. In my gardens, that meter of space is really helpful!