Choosing Plants for Your Garden

Roney - Many times we buy plants on impulse then find there is nowhere in the garden that really suits them. Before buying plants carefully examine your garden to see how much sun and shade it gets, whether the soil is well drained or waterlogged and whether the aspect of sheltered or windy. You will then be equipped to go and buy the best plants for your situation; shade plants love to sheltered areas, sun lovers for a warm, drought-resistant plants for dry areas that can be either sunny or shaded, and swamp plants for parts of a poorly-drained.

But wait! Your soil test first, to determine the pH level of your soil and what kind of nutrients you need to add, if any. Soil is acid or alkaline? Most plants prefer soil that is slightly acidic, but there are some that must have alkaline soil to grow. You can change the pH level of the soil, but it is much easier to simply plant for the soil you have.

Now you are ready to plant. Almost. You will be planting in groups or individually? If you buy 'one of everything' your garden may seem rather spotty. Group plantings are organized, harmonious and you can vary the color for interest.

Before planting, place your chosen plants around the garden bed in their pots to see how they will look. Re-arrange them until you are satisfied. Grouping plants in sets of threes or toddlers usually looks better than planting in groups of even numbers. Make sure that you have an interesting combination of colors and textures of plants. tall plants should go to the rear, or center if your garden will be viewed equally from all sides. Try to keep your plants away from trees. The roots of trees are very competitive and will steal all the nutrients and moisture meant for your flowers.

The right color scheme is one way of maintaining harmony in your garden. Imagine the colors of the flowers when they are in bloom. Some colors may clash with others, but it can still be planted side-by-side if they have a different blooming season. foliage color is also important. Many flower plants have silver-gray foliage that is just as attractive or purplish flowers. This means that they are still attractive well past the blooming season and has added value.

Source : Learn How To Hydroponics