![]() Take a tour of your property a few hours after it rains to see if there are any puddles. Most of the flowers for cutting gardens don’t like sitting in mucky soil, so planting them on a higher area of your landscape is better. Knowing where water tends to pool in your landscape will help you decide where to put certain plants. When’s the last time you considered the grading of your property? Even mild slopes present special erosion needs and potential irrigation problems. We’ll cover amending your soil a few steps down. You can collect the sample yourself and mail it in, and you’ll get a full report on your soil quality. It’s best to get a soil test done by a local extension service. It’s essential to know the state of your current soil so you know what kind of amendments and fertilization it might need. Any happy organism needs a comfortable home, and plants can be picky about their living spaces. Sunlight isn’t the only nutrition source to think about. Northern-facing areas receive the least amount of sun and should be avoided for cutting gardens if possible. Western-facing yards get direct sun in the afternoon, whereas light from the east is strongest in the morning. South-facing yards receive the most sun exposure. Mark any shade structures you have in your yard like pergolas, playsets, covered patios, or large trees, and determine what cardinal direction your yard faces. Most of the plants you’ll choose need full sun (meaning 6-8 hours of direct sunlight). Sunlight is a nonnegotiable for a cutting garden. ![]() A gutter garden (shelving made out of gutters and attached to a wall) can hold plants with shallow root systems. ![]() Flowering vines can wrap around trellises or beautify fencing. For example, you might want to skip the shrubs and replace them with herbaceous perennials.Ĭonsider going vertical, too. If you have a smaller space, you’ll need to be extra thoughtful about your plant choices and layout to ensure maximum blooms while allowing for healthy air circulation. In addition to the categories below, consider where would be most convenient for you to make maintenance easy. Sizeįor large properties, you obviously have more leeway with choosing a prime spot for your cutting garden. This information will help you design a smart layout and choose plants that will thrive. Use our 5 S’s checklist when you’re ready to start planning. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to garden design, and getting to know your yard will set you up for the most successful cut flower garden possible. The first step to altering your landscape is assessing what you’re starting with.
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