Your Green Space-Taking Those First Steps…
So you have finally decided to take those first steps and build your own patio garden. Congratulations! Its said that the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. You are now well on your way to creating a new useful living space for yourself that you will hopefully enjoy for many years to come!
A Space To Call Your Own…
Probably one of the best things you can do starting out is to take a minute to imagine what your patio garden space will be. What kind of plants appeal to you? How do you want your space to flow? What will you use it for? Will it be strictly decorative, will it fulfill a purpose such as raising some of your own food? Or will it be a combination?
What Shall You Plant?
Do you think you might like to grow flowers, succulents, vegetables, or a combination of things? What you ultimately decide to plant is going to determine the type of maintenance you have to do. Plants that are native to your area tend to be very resistant to local pests and climate fluctuations. Food producing plants tend to require a bit more care and attention to keep them viable. There are several natural methods of pest control you can use to keep your plants safe and you and your family healthy.
Climate is going to play a large role in the types of plants you decide to fill your space with. An arid climate is going to have a much different group of plants that can tolerate its conditions than a sub tropical one will. Air temperature and solar intensity both have their own effects on plants. On some levels this can be mitigated through selecting sunny vs. shaded sites, shade cloth, etc. It would be a good idea to invest some research into what climate zone you are in, as well as what plants have traditionally done well in your area. Your garden section of your local hardware store can be a wealth of information! Who knows, you may even end up leaving with some plants!
Contain the Domain
What types of planters do you want?
Rain barrels can be a great way to catch rain water runoff from your roof and also save you some money on your water bill. Check your local regulations to be sure they are allowed in your area.
Self wicking beds are a great way to conserve water, and give your plants exactly how much they need.
Another water conserving method that is centuries old and still relevant is the use of clay ollas. These are essentially non-glazed clay pots that are buried in the ground near your plants and filled up with water. The water then slowly seeps out to keep the soil moist. You can also re purpose plastic jugs for this same purpose. Just punch a few small holes in them and bury them up to their top.
To top this all off, you should also consider adding mulch to the top of your planting bed. This will serve to keep the soil cool and prevent evaporative water loss, keeping more water around longer for your plants!
It’s All What You Put In
A good way to make sure you establish a good environment for your plants is to set yourself up for success from the get-go. If you take the time to invest in good soil and the right plants and containers you are sure to enjoy the benefits later.
Once you have settled on your container, you need to take a moment to look at the soil you are putting in. Ideally, it should contain a mix of good quality compost. If you can try looking for one that has the “OMRI’ certified organic label. This will be the vehicle that provides nutrients to your plants as it breaks down
Particulate matter to help with aeration will provide air spaces and keep your soils from getting too compact. Perlite or Vermiculite are both good choices here. Vermiculite helps a little more with soil water retention in arid climates.
Lastly you want your soil to contain some organic matter to help with wicking. Your compost will provide some, but it is also good to add some that is not yet broken down. Coconut coir is a great addition and is known for its super wicking ability. Another addition could be Peat Moss. Ideally you want to target equal parts of the above mentioned materials for most plants.
To top everything off you should consider a layer of mulch for water retention. Mulch is basically very coarse organic material that has not yet broken down. Some of the best material for this wood chips or straw. Not only does this retain water, but prevents your soil from heating up too much and damaging your roots.
Obviously your plants are going to need water. One disadvantage with most city water systems is the fact that they add chlorine to the water for sanitation. While this does prevent diseases in humans, it can also be detrimental to your plants and the good biota in the soil. It would be very beneficial to consider a filter to take out the chlorine and fluoride. They can be as simple as a screw on in-line filter for your hose, or as elaborate as a whole house water filter. Believe me, I found this one out the hard way!
Those Little Extras
Now its time to think about adding those little extras to personalize your space. Honestly this is the fun part, because you are going to really start to see your patio garden become a space of your own!
A seating area is going to be your place of repose, or maybe just a place to sit a spell after all your hard work! It can be a simple couple of plastic chairs or even a more elaborate iron bench. It is also a good idea to include a table to put that cold drink or cup of coffee on!
A water feature or fountain will add a nice bit of pleasing background noise to help drown out the other noises of the world. There are a many projects online on building a home made bamboo fountain that adds a touch of Eastern flair, There are also plenty of designs that incorporate a Southwestern theme. A simple birdbath would also be a welcome attraction for wildlife in the area! You could also incorporate some bird feeders to make it even more enticing for our feathered friends! Wind chimes can add a pleasing sound in the evening. As far as other decorations go, the sky is pretty much the limit. Just pop on down to your local hardware store garden center and see what appeals to you!
You Are Well On Your Way…
So now hopefully you have some motivation and inspiration to create a space of your own. Starting out, it doesn’t even have to be that expensive. Keep it simple and re purpose things to give them a new life. Start where you are, use what you have, do what you can! I wish you all the best on your journey!
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