Hey everyone! I recently moved into a new house right before Christmas and I'm eager to dive into gardening this spring. My new garden is a bit bigger than my old space, but it's still pretty small and mainly north-east facing. The challenge is that it's currently astroturfed and I can't change that just yet. However, there are some flower beds filled with decorative stones that I plan to clear out and convert into planting beds. I want to start by placing a jasmine cutting from my old home in one of those beds. I'm also looking for suggestions for other plants to add there. Additionally, I'd like ideas for what to plant in pots that are beneficial for local wildlife and easy to care for. I'm open to anything: flowers, fruits, or veggies, as long as they're safe for dogs!
3 Answers
Investing in good soil now will really help your garden thrive! For pots, it's usually better to get a few larger ones instead of lots of smaller ones, since they won't dry out as fast. You can even use galvanized bins or buckets—just drill some holes in the bottom, and they can look quite chic with a little spray paint! Make sure to place your pots where you want them before you fill them, since they can get heavy. Using a slow-release fertilizer will save you from having to remember to feed them too often. I recommend mixing plants! For example, try a small dahlia, some French marigolds, and a trailing nasturtium. You could also set up some climbers to add height, like sweet peas or Cobaea, which are pretty easy to grow!
Have you thought about planting cosmos? They bloom all summer and are super easy to grow! Plus, summer flowering bulbs could really brighten up your garden!
If you're in Milton Keynes, you're probably dealing with some dense clay soil, so keep that in mind! Instead of removing all the stones, you might try planting through them depending on the soil underneath. It could take some work to make the area healthy again. If you're going to dig, I'd suggest doing some test pits first. If the soil is poor, mix in plenty of organic matter to improve it. My personal favorite is Orgro, but any compost will work!