As the weather warms up and the flowers begin to bloom, there’s no better time than spring in New Orleans to dig in and start your own garden.
Creating an artistic oasis filled with vibrant flowers or delicious fruits and vegetables is a dream for many, but this is no easy task — especially for the novice just getting their hands dirty.
Just as a seed needs the right conditions to grow, a beginner’s garden needs the right tricks to flourish.
Lay Your Groundwork
A successful garden must start with a bit of planning and a strong foundation.
Determine your climate zone
Knowing your hardiness zone and growing season can help you choose the best plants that thrive in your area.
According to LSU Agriculture Center, gardeners in the New Orleans area see two different zones: Zone 9a and 9b. Long, hot summers and mild winters in this Gulf Coast region call for tropical plants with low water requirements, and gardeners can expect the spring gardening season to begin much earlier than in other areas across the U.S.
A quick Google search and some trial-and-error can easily do the trick to determine which plants, vegetables, and fruits thrive in Zone 9.
Test your soil
Testing your soil is just as important as any other part of gardening, like choosing a sunny, flat area with wind protection for your plant nursery.
By purchasing an at-home soil test kit, you can determine its pH level, nutrient content, and potential contaminations, allowing you to make more informed decisions about how to care for your plants.
Bring the Right Stuff
The right equipment and planting necessities can protect your skin, make your job easier, and keep your plants doing their best. TPG’s Garden Center has a wide selection of these products! Check out a selection of them on their online store here or go to the Garden Center to see their whole collection.
Garden tools
Beginner gardening definitely calls for a protective set of gardening gloves, a garden trowel, pruning shears, and a watering can or hose. Other tools you may need are a shovel, hori hori knife, a hoe, and a wheelbarrow.
Companion plants
Companion plants are grown together for mutual benefits, such as pest control, soil improvement, and increased crop yields.
Whether you grow flowers or food, consult a companion planting chart or ask your local nursery about companion planting options. Plants like marigolds, mint, and zinnias are especially useful in repelling certain garden-destroying pests, like mosquitos and squash bugs.
Maintain Your Masterpiece
Like all living things, a garden needs regular love and care to survive.
Add a layer of mulch
It’s a good idea to regularly weed, water, and prune your garden. A thick layer of mulch helps add nutrients back into the soil, retain moisture, and keep the weeds at bay. TPG pretty much always has crushed pine needle mulch and bales of pine needles.
Water your plants the right way
When watering your plants, be careful not to overwater.
Experts suggest making a hole in the soil with your finger. If it is still dry at the two-inch mark, the plant needs water.
Start Your Garden With Help From TPG – The Plant Gallery
According to Scotts Miracle-Gro and Wakefield, 55% of American families participate in home gardening. If you’re trying to join that number of gardening gurus and get your green thumb going, TPG – The Plant Gallery is your one-stop shop for all your nursery needs.
Boasting a variety of plants, tools, and more, our Garden Center has all you need to cultivate a lush green space. With licensed horticulturalists on-site, we can help you choose from our variety of plants that thrive in the New Orleans area.
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