When it comes to caring for gardens and grassy areas, it is important to determining the right soil. In this first part of a two-part series, we want to look at what soil we would need for the type of planting for new grassy areas, garden beds and vegetable gardens that can be done here on the West Coast of British Columbia.
Vegetable and flower gardens: before putting down soil, consider the base of which you are putting in a new garden. Check for things like: type of drainage the base has, any remediation the base needs to have before putting down any soil, and determine what can go on top of the base.
Composting: You can create your own soil for vegetable and flower gardens right in your backyard using grass clippings (with no weeds of course) and composting them in a compost box or bin. We suggest using a two-box system: one box for the composting during the current grass growing year, and the other box which has already composted from the year previous and the soil is ready to be used.
Purchasing: If you are more interested in using bags of soil, or soil from your local landscape supplier, talk to the clerk and ask what soil would be best for the plants you wish to grow.
Grass seeding: talk to your local landscape supplier and ask them what type of soil to use for the purposes of seeding a grassy area. They will ask what is at the base, what kind of drainage there is currently, and then will suggest what steps to take to ensure you have a strong and healthy grass, what soil to use and seed to put. They can even tell you when and how often to cut, water and fertilize it.
DW Garden Transformations is all about helping with taking the best care of your space! E-mail Dave at davesgarden101@gmail.com, or call him in the Greater Victoria area at (778) 977-6061 for a free estimate. DW Garden Transformations specializes in commercial spaces and strata complexes.
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