So, where do you start your adventure into gardening? Here are a few ideas!
Begin collecting pictures of gardens you like. Then, talk to our staff -- they'll help you figure out the exposure (sun) and what other factors (like soil, wind, tall buildings, etc.) that can influence plant choices.
Our staff can also help when deciding the theme of your garden. Choosing a theme will focus your plant choices and make shopping easier. Your garden will look better and it will be easier to work in it. At our stores you will also be able to observe which plants are in season and ready to be planted. While we are lucky enough to live where so many plants flourish, there are optimum times to plant natives, wildflowers, vegetables and fruit trees. We will help you work with Nature’s rhythm.
A few of the most basic gardening tools are gloves, trowel, shovel, pruners, a hose and hose nozzle…and the Sunset Western Garden Book. This is a great reference book, with explanations of techniques and terms, as well as the descriptions and requirements of thousands of plants. The descriptions will help when choosing plants that will be happy in your garden.
Feeding your soil is crucial. Adding compost or chicken manure or Sloat Forest Mulch will help stimulate soil life. The more organic matter in the soil, the more water it can hold and the more nutrients it will have.
Watering correctly is probably the most important part of gardening success. Water in the morning, water at the drip line. A new vegetable garden may need frequent, almost daily watering, depending on how hot and windy it is. Most established landscape plants can be watered deeply, but less often. A moisture meter can be very helpful if you are not sure.
Gardening is a journey, come and have fun with us!
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