Shaping Your Yard For A Garden
You lay quietly under your king quilt. It is the early morning hours. Your dreams focus on that outdoor garden that you have been talking about. Maybe you want a flower garden. Perhaps you wish to grow your own vegetables. You will need to get the land in shape beforehand. You may not have a perfect spot to make your garden. You need to shape the land to fit your needs. Here are some things to consider.
Sloped land
Is your yard uneven and at a slope. There are things that you can do to fix that. Look at your land and decide on some possible spots. You can level and section off a plot with landscape timbers. These timbers are not perfectly square. They are rounded on the edges. You may find them in several different sizes. They do not cost a lot of money. There are economical ways to landscape with these timbers.
You can purchase ready-made kits for your garden spot. They are good for smaller areas. Sandbox kits will work well for a small garden, also. They tend to be expensive. It is cheaper to use landscape timbers and cut them to size with your Mcculloch chainsaw. This lumber is pressure treated. It will withstand rot and insects. They can usually be found at home improvement centers and lumberyards.
Sometimes you may have to dig out some ground to level your garden spot. This depends on the size and shape of your garden. It also depends on the shape of your yard. Landscape timbers can be stacked. If you do, stagger them. This will give them more strength. You can place wooden stakes in the ground for support. They will drive in with a hammer.
You can also use regular pressure treated lumber. It has square edges and will give you a more uniform look, than the landscape timbers. They cost more than the landscape timbers, also. They will stack much better and easier, due to their shape.
Railroad ties are also good for landscaping and gardens. They will work well for larger landscaping projects. You may need tools like sledge hammers and Husqvarna chainsaws. They can be cut to most sizes that you need. Many people like the appearance of railroad ties. You can have a rustic look to your outdoor area. Railroad ties can be fairly expensive. You may buy new and used. The new will cost more. However, they will be in better condition. This also means that they will last longer.
In closing
Are you going to make your own garden this year? It does not matter if there is no perfect spot. You can make one. Utilizing landscaping techniques and lumber, will make a difference. Your garden may be in bloom, soon.
Vicky Chow || Live at MIT
