GREENBRIER COUNTY W.Va. (WVDN) – While the groundhog may or may not have seen his shadow, we know that Spring is coming and will be here before we know it. When driving around one can see evidence of this imminent event, potting soil and mulch stacking up outside the nursery. It is time to get our thoughts onto paper and choose a site to set up our garden. Or for its expansion. What do the Master Gardeners of Greenbrier Valley say about that? Let’s get going!
Selecting the right garden site can mean the difference between a rewarding experience with healthy and productive plants or one that brings trouble with stressed, diseased plants and insect problems.
Start by sketching your property. Note the location of buildings, hose bibs, septic fields, sidewalks, trees and any other significant items. Consider how each of these could impact your garden site. For example, tree roots live in the top 6-10 inches of soil, and tilling through them to install your garden may kill a tree.
On your sketch, mark shaded areas throughout the day. Most plants grown for fruit or flowers require 6 or more hours of sunlight; any unshaded areas will provide the minimum sunlight needed. Once you have a general location in mind, it’s time to call 811- a free service that will come to your home and tell you where any buried utilities may be hiding. Think carefully about the last power outage and how difficult it is to maneuver through no cell phone service, satellite or WIFI. This alone should be a painful reminder to not skip this step least one inadvertently digs and cuts a cable.
Next, check the soil. Visit the WVU Soil Testing Laboratory webpage to learn how to get a good soil sample. Call the local WVU extension service agent or master gardener to help you determine the soil types and their characteristics. If the site is in an urban area or the land’s history is unknown, do an additional test for heavy metals. After all, you are what you eat.
Drainage is the most important aspect of any garden. Other issues can be remedied, but waterlogged soils will suffocate roots and produce sickly plants. Soil that is grayish or has a rotting smell indicates a drainage problem. If the issue cannot be fixed, use raised beds to allow the roots to breathe.
By taking the time to select the right site, your garden will be healthier and more enjoyable.
If you are interested in attending this clinic or becoming a Master Gardener, please call Mary Dameron at the Greenbrier County Agriculture Extension Office at 304-647-7408.
