Purchasing Soil For Spring Planting

April 24th, 2014 Posted in Soil
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Spring is in the air, making thoughts turn to planting your flower pots and vegetable gardens. The basic component of any successful planting endeavor is the correct soil for the job. The soil used to grow a tasty tomato in a garden compared to the soil in a potted plant can be very different. Before getting out your gardening gloves, you need to head to your local landscaping supply store to do some dirt shopping! 

Potted Plant Soil

If you are buying soil for potted plants, there are three main choices you will encounter: all-purpose, premium and seed-starting. For most house plants, an all-purpose soil will work fine, although certain types of plants like cactus and violets have blends which are specifically designed for them. Premium potting soil has fertilizer added, and can be used for most types of indoor and outdoor potted plants. For plants starting from seed, a seed-starting soil is recommended. 

Outdoor Garden Soils

The type of soil you need for building a raised garden bed or to add to your existing garden will depend on what you are growing. Typical gardening top soil is similar to the dirt that would be found in the ground, with a mix of different soils to create a balanced base for your garden. Depending on whether you are growing flowers or vegetables, you may need different levels of pH in the soil you purchase. 

When it comes to planting, starting with the right soil can make all the difference in the end result. Talk to the experts at your landscape supply store for advice on choosing the right soil for what you plan to grow, along with what fertilizer and other soil additives that you may need.

Posted on behalf of Green Bros. Earthworks

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Building An Old World Stone Fence

April 24th, 2014 Posted in Fieldstone
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Stone fences are reminiscent of old farm houses from years gone by, and can add an Old World flair to your landscaping design project. Once built with the field stones retrieved from acres of farm land, building a stone fence today generally requires a trip to your local landscaping supply store or quarry. However, the old-world charm of a stone fence can add to the curb appeal of your home and give it a unique look that sets it apart. 

Creating Your Fence

With stone fences, you can either use mortar to hold the stones together or just stack them to build your fence. Larger, flat field stones can be stacked to make a rustic fence without the use of mortar. Smaller or rounded stones will need to be held together. Mortar will give any stone wall stability and can ensure that your wall will last for decades, maybe even longer. 

  • For a dry stacked fence, you will need to get a large variety of flat stones that are heavy enough to stay in place. Field stones are commonly used, often coming in oblong shapes that are ideal for stacking. Dry stacked stone fences should be about four feet tall or less.
     
  • For a sturdy stone wall, add mortar between the layers of rocks. Mortar can give you the ability to use smaller, more colorful stones in your wall. If you prefer a dry, stacked look but want the stability of mortar, scrape any excess mortar from exterior joints with a rake. 

There is nothing easy about building a stone wall; it is hard, back-breaking work, which is one of the reasons why it’s generally advised to contact a professional landscaper in order to have one built properly. Still, the end result is an incredible piece of lasting art that adds beauty and charm to your home.

Posted on behalf of Alliance Stone 

 

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Adding A Beautiful Garden Path To Your Yard

April 24th, 2014 Posted in Gravel
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A garden path can protect your lawn from being trampled while adding dimension and beauty to your yard. Armed with a shovel, rake, edging and some gravel, your landscaping professional can make a pretty garden path in relatively short order that will last for years. A quick conversation with a landscaper, and you can get started on your garden path right away. 

Designing Your Garden Path

Before you head to the store, you need to know how much gravel you will need for your pathway. Map out where your path will start and end, measuring for length. Most pathways should be at least 18 inches wide for a single-person walk. To determine how much area you will need to cover with gravel, multiply the total length by the width of the path. This will give you the area you need. 

Working with your landscaping professional, together you can choose the type of gravel you want to use for the project. Pea gravel is a common choice, and it is fairly inexpensive. You can also use 1/4” minus or decomposed granite as well. You will need enough gravel to cover your total area at least 3 inches deep. Through your landscaper, you’ll also need to purchase edging for your path to keep your gravel in place and possibly some landscape fabric to keep weeds at bay. 

To build your path, the landscaping professional will start by digging down about 3-6 inches for your path. Once complete, then he or she will place your landscape fabric and edging before filling the path with gravel. Last but not least, the gravel will be smoothed and shaped in order to complete your gravel garden path. In just a day, you’ll have a beautiful garden path that will improve your lawn and be used for many years to come!

Posted on behalf of Clayton Hulen, Green Brothers Earth Works

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