How to Choose the Best Plants for your Square Foot Garden
The following article on choosing plants covers a topic that has recently moved to center
stage--at least it seems that way. If you've been thinking you need to know more about it, here's your
opportunity. Don’t just plant, plant the right stuff!
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 your aspect is
sheltered or windswept. You'll then be equipped to go and buy the best plants for your situation; shade-loving plants for the sheltered areas, sun-lovers
for the warm spots, drought-resistant plants for the parched areas which may be either sunny or shaded, and
swamp plants for the poorly-drained parts.
But wait! Test your soil first, to determine the
pH level of your soil and what kind of nutrients you need to add, if any. Is the soil acid or alkaline? Most
plants prefer soil that is slightly acidic, but there are some that must have alkaline soil to
grow. You can alter the soil's pH level, but it's much easier to
simply plant for the soil you have.
If you find yourself confused by what you've read
to this point, don't despair. Everything should be crystal clear by the time you finish.
Now you are ready to plant. Well - almost. Will
you plant in groups or singly? 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 out, 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 fives usually looks better than planting in groups of even numbers. Be sure that you
have an interesting combination of colors and textures of plants. Tall plants should go to the back, or the
center if your garden will be viewed equally from all sides. Try to keep your plants away from trees. The roots
of trees are fiercely competitive and will steal all the nutrients and moisture meant for your
flowers.
The right color scheme is one way to maintain the
harmony in your garden. Imagine the color of the flowers when they are in bloom. Some colors may clash with
others, but 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 or purplish foliage that is just as attractive as the flower.
This means that they are still attractive well past the blooming season and so have added
value.
Sometimes it's tough to sort out all the details related to the right plants, but I'm positive that with this
advice, you’ll be able to make a much better decision when you chose plants for square foot gardening, container
gardening, or any other gardening needs.

See also: Square Foot Gardening
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