We're well into spring in the deep South, pushing rapidly toward the last frost date for Tuscaloosa: April 15. That means you can probably safely plant your seedlings right about now without worrying about a frost killing your plants. 

But what should you be doing first, before you put your plants in the ground? After all, if this is the first garden you've planted on the property you bought from Tuscaloosa homes for sale, you want to get it right. Fortunately, our real estate agents have compiled some information that should help get you going.

1. Choose your garden location carefully.
   There are several factors to keep in mind when choosing a location for your garden. Most important is that your garden plants get at the very least six hours but preferably eight hours of sun. Check your location throughout the day to see how the sunlight falls on the garden. If you're planning on planting greens and cole crops (broccoli, kale, lettuce, spinach, turnip greens) they will do better with fewer hours of sun or perhaps dappled sun.
   
   Also, make sure that the site drains water well and is close to a source of water.
   
   
2. Mark the garden borders.
   You need to decide how big you want your garden to be. If you're a newbie gardener, you probably want to keep it small. A 4-ft. by 8-ft. garden is a good size for a novice. If you want to plant a bigger area, you might add another 4X8-ft. plot. These smaller sizes will allow you to reach your plants, so you can weed, fertilize, and water as needed.
   
   
3. Consider a raised bed.
   Raised bed gardens allow water to drain away from your garden, preventing soggy spots. Raised beds also prevent soil compaction so the roots of the plants can make their way better through the soil.
   
   To make a raised bed, mark off the borders of your garden either with twine or spray paint. You can also buy or build a garden frame. But first, dig up the soil so that it is loose and friable. Enrich it with compost and good garden soil if your soil is poor.
   
   
4. Plant your plants, or sow your seeds.
   We have a long growing season in Tuscaloosa, so spring is not too late to sow seeds in the ground for certain crops. This planting calendar for Alabama from Farmer's Almanac can help guide you. Some crops should have been started from seeds indoors several months ago, so if you want to grow these crops, you should buy seedlings from your local nursery and plant them directly in your garden. Plants and seeds should come with instructions for planting. When planting seeds, it's best to use this year's supply. Old seeds may work, but your best bet is new seeds.
   
   
5. Caring for plants.
   You may not need to water all crops every day; check their requirements, and depending on how hot it is, adjust watering accordingly. Do not let young plants dry out. Watch for wind, which can dry out plants. If you have a windy location, you may want to erect some type of barrier. After planting, cover your garden with good-quality mulch, but do not stack it against the plants. Leave a couple of inches around the base of the plants. Fertilize your plants according to directions.
   
   Are you wanting to grow flowers? The process is similar, although you may want to create decorative beds in unique shapes like circles, ovals, or rectangles, made with landscaping bricks or stones.

Need more advice? Contact us today.