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First, decide the scale of your garden. Draw the perimeters of the garden using a dark color. Then, write down the length of each side. Make sure that you do not overcrowd your garden. Finally, test the soil before you plant. You can even draw sun maps! If you plan to use a garden planner, here are some tips:
Draw sun maps instead of photographing them
If you want to have a more accurate understanding of the sun’s position in your garden, you can draw a sun map. This can be a simple sketch or a detailed digital document. Whether you’re drawing a map for your own garden or planning to use it for a client’s garden, drawing a sun map is a valuable way to better understand your site.
To make a sun map, sketch out your garden and mark trees, buildings, fences, and other landmarks. Next, note the hours when there is full sun and when it is shaded. After a few days, you should see patterns. Using a sun map can help you understand which plants need shade.
A tool like Suncalc can help you plot the sun’s path over Google maps. Another similar service is Sollimus. This website also relies on Google maps, but it shows the sun’s path in a different way. For beginners, this may be easier to understand than Suncalc. Alternatively, you can use a tool called Sunchart from the University of Oregon Solar Radiation Monitoring Lab.
When comparing sun paths in a garden, it is important to consider how different seasons affect the sun’s position. The sun is higher in the sky in summer, meaning that your garden will have more sunlight. Therefore, it’s best to map your garden at the right time of year.
Avoid overcrowding
There are several factors that affect the growth of plants, including water, light, and soil. Overcrowding can impact these factors in various ways, including hindering fruit and flower production, promoting diseases, and stimulating insect problems. Plants also respond to overcrowding with a natural defense mechanism called allelopathy. This mechanism is designed to prevent the clogging of plant beds.
Test your soil before planting
The best way to know what type of soil you have before planting your garden is to conduct a soil test. These tests are conducted in professional labs and can give you important information on your soil’s health. In addition to determining the pH level of your soil, these tests will also tell you the texture and nutrient content of the soil.
Soil testing is a simple process and can help you figure out what kind of plants thrive in your soil. It does not take much time and does not require a lab coat! There are do-it-yourself soil testing kits that will measure your soil’s pH level, acidity, and alkalinity, as well as its major nutrients. Performing the test yourself will give you a general idea of your soil’s pH levels, but a professional can give you more detailed information.
Testing your soil is essential to ensuring your plants and vegetables grow in soil that is full of beneficial microorganisms and earthworms. In fact, the presence of earthworms is a good sign of a healthy soil environment. These creatures tunnel into the soil and allow water and oxygen to pass through.
Testing the soil will tell you whether or not you need to add additional nutrients to your soil. It will also help you determine how frequently you should water your plants. A soil that has a high porosity will better absorb water and provide moisture to your plants between waterings. The Oregon State University Extension Service has several resources for soil testing.
Before planting your garden, you should test the pH level of your soil to determine if it is alkaline or acidic. You should aim for a pH value between 6.5 and 7.0. Any soil that is more than seven points below 7.0 will be unsuitable for growing certain types of plants and vegetables.
Use a mobile app to map your garden
Garden mapping is a great way to prepare for the growing season and plan for the best placement of your plants. By visualizing the space, you can ensure that each plant is getting the proper sunlight and space needed to grow. Traditionally, you might use a ruler and pencil to map your garden, but there are plenty of apps available that make it easier to keep track of every detail.
One app that makes this process easier is Gardenia. This free application allows you to organize photos and detailed information about your plants. It also has a social networking feature, which lets you follow fellow gardeners. While this is not a traditional garden mapping app, it does offer a lot of useful information.
Garden Tracker is another app that can help you keep track of your garden. This free app allows you to track gardens in over 30 countries. It allows you to export your information using over 30 different formats. The latest version includes an improved design and interface. It also has a quick access button to add photos and details. There are also tabs for adding plants and photos.
Another good app for garden planning is Garden Planner, a software program by The Old Farmer’s Almanac. It helps you plan out the shape of your garden and lets you add and move different plants. It’s also customizable for different gardening styles. While this app is very easy to use, it is more about plants than about maps. Moreover, the app is subscription-based. Those who subscribe for a year’s subscription pay $29 per year if auto-renewing is enabled and $40 per year otherwise. However, there is a free trial period for the app to see if you like it.
Another app is Plant ID, which allows you to enter images of plants and receive answers to your questions on plant identification. This app also connects you to a community of plant lovers and horticultural experts. You can ask questions on particular problems that you’ve been experiencing in your garden and find answers to them. You can even set reminders about pruning and find the best growth spots in your garden. You can also follow other gardeners and learn from their tips and tricks.
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