I've never planted anything! Help!

[Jaimee]

Ok, for the first time in my life I have a place to plant things and I don't know what to do! I live in a 2 family home and I moved to the lower unit last fall. I now have free reign over the entire front yard, and a nice big open porch. The previous tennant didn't have any flowers planted and it looks sooooooo plain. SO where do I start? I was going to buy some big planters to put on the porch steps, and I have about a 5 ft by 3 ft area in front of my front windows. I've cleared out all of the weeds, but now I don't know what to do. Is there something "easy" I could plant? I don't want to kill all of the flowers. I was told that marigolds are the most hearty, any other suggestions??? I'm so excited to buy some flowers, but I want to do everything right. Let me know if you have any suggestions!

Thank you!!!!
Jaimee

 

[gina2000]

Well, Jaimee! Congratulations on ruling the front yard!

What you plant will depend on how much sun you have. Most annuals are sun loving though a few will prosper in shade. The trick is not to put those that need less intense heat and lots of water in a sunny area.....and vice versa!

So....that's the first question. Do you get alot of sun in your front yard?

If you do....there are many plants that will do well. Marigolds are very hardy but even they need to be watered once a day during the dog days of summer. Petunias also do well in the sun as do zinnias and begonias. Stay away from impatiens. They are lovely, lovely flowers....but wilt in intense heat with no shade relief. They also need regular watering.

Some tips. Make sure your soil is loose and turned over before you plant. You need to keep that soil loose throughout the growing season to ensure the plant roots can expand and grow. Otherwise, you'll get puny plants.

Most plants benefit by having a bit of fertilizer applied once or twice a season....but never in an intense heat and best if right before it rains. MiracleGro works for alot of people but your area might have another favorite that works well.

Water evenly and in early morning or evenings. If you water during the height of the day, plant leaves can burn. Get out early or late....and often. Because annuals have shallow roots, they love a good drink every day.

Planters are fun ways to bring colors onto porches. You have more leverage as to what you can plant because your porch will have some shade. Mix and match colors! It's fun to experiment!

Enjoy your planting! And come back with any questions you may have!

We'll make you an expert gardener in NO time!

 

[Snowwark]

Welcome to the F&G board, Jaimee.

Congrats to you on your move!

It's hard to start from scatch, but exciting too!

How's your sun exposure on the front garden bed and porch? Morning sun, afternoon sun? Are there any trees or shrubs at all? How's the soil? Sandy, heavy clay?

Have been checking out gardening magazines, and your neighbour's gardens for ideas of what you like and what grows well in your area? I might start there. Do you want a casual cottage garden look, or something a little more formal?

For quick colour, annuals are always good, and doing containers for your porch steps sounds like a great idea! If you're looking to fill the front bed with annuals, marigolds would be great, or perhaps wave petunias, with a taller annual behind them, maybe heliotrope or salvia (if it's a sunny spot).

If you're after perennials for a backdrop, it would be a good idea (after snooping around the neighbourhood ), to visit a local garden centre and see what they have that you like. Garden Phlox, Coneflower, Daylilies, Yarrow, Peonies, etc., would all be lovely in a sunny spot.

 

[Snowwark]

ROTFLOL , at gina, not you Jaimee!

Gina is a lot quicker then me!!!

 

[gina2000]

I just type faster.

 

[amid chaos]

I think our 2 pros handled your questions completely...

welcome to the gardening board.

 

[Jaimee]

Well, the front yard gets sun in the morning...my neighbor just has planters on her porch in front, and has her vegetable garden and lots of flowers in the back yard. I guess maybe I'll ask her what she thinks would work well in the front. I don't really have a "style" in mind. I just want some color. I think I'll start with the planters this weekend and I'll check out the local garden store to see what I can find. Thank you for your tips!!

 

[Tulirose]

Be sure to come back and let us know what you got.

Also add my welcome to the F/G Board.

And I also agree with Amid - I can't add anything else to the answer Snowwark and Gina gave you. Just have fun and don't fret too much when you sacrifice something to the garden gods. It's bound to happen sooner or later, as it has to all of us.