How do I start a garden? Any good books on the subject?

I just bought a house with a terrible back yard and want to rip out some grass (moss, really) and put in a garden. All the books I have seen assume I have a palacial estate and unlimited funds. Anyone know a planning book that deals with reality and not fantasy? I want to start a garden and maybe do some simple landscaping. I am in the Northwest. Thanks!

How do I start a garden? Any good books on the subject?
I second whoever said start small; don't overwhelm yourself. Pick a small area, dig out all the moss. Turn over the soil with a pitchfork. Add manure. If you have a lot of clay in your soil, you will also want to add topsoil. If your soil is loose or sandy, you will want to add peat or spagnum moss. Assuming this is your first garden, stick to plants that are super-easy to grow and don't need alot maintaince. Check the tags on the plants and get ones that will like the microclimate in which you'll be placing them - ie, if your area is shady, you will want plants that say "part shade." And if something doesn't work - don't sweat it! Just try something else :)





You may want to contact your local botanical society, or any local university's botanical or horticultural programs for recommendations as well.





Some useful links:


USDA Zone Map - http://www.usna.usda.gov/Hardzone/ushzma...





Books on gardening in the northwest US - http://books.google.com/books?q=gardenin...





Gardening Basics -


http://www.thegardenhelper.com/gardeneri...


http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/gl_gardening_ba...


http://www.mastergardenproducts.com/gard...
Reply:I agree with you about the books. there is a much simpler way to do this.





First of all, if you are growing moss, you have a yard that is 1st of all, shaded a lot and 2nd, stays moist. You must improve lighting and drainage...





Go to Home Depot and purchase a non selective herbacide. One that kills everything. After two weeks, return to Home depot and purchase several bags of soil conditioner/ mulch, 3 cubic yards for 7 or 8 dollars each, and work it into the soil.





I always try to divide the yard into smaller, managable sections with rocks or landscape timbers. You can tackle it a section at a time this way, beginning closest to the house so your efforts will be appreciated.





By creating smaller raised areas, they will drain better. If your shade is created by trees, get yourself a long pole, tree trimmer and raise the canopy of the trees. This means, trim away all lower greenery on your trees until filtered light comes through the tree to the ground. This may mean removing half of the smaller limbs or more. This will be a blessing in the fall when you will have only half as many leaves to rake up.





Establish a walkway that will meander through your yard and create the rock or timber walls at the edge of this walkway. You can even define areas along it that are plantless by putting weed blocker fabic down with playground sand on top. This is very effective if you pick up a few pieces of redwood and build a small bridge over it.
Reply:Of course there are books on gardening appropriate to every situation. Go to your public library, not the bookstore.
Reply:I had the same problem. I just did a search for 'starting a garden' and many websites popped up. Some looked pie in the sky and others looked more like reality.





You can also talk to a knowlegable person at a local nursery. They are happy to help because they want your business. Of course you don't have to buy anything....





happy gardening
Reply:The best book that I've found yet for a smaller garden is the square foot gardening method. You can do as many "squares" as you've room for, and the harvest is well worth the initial effort. The instructions are easy to follow, and it covers every aspect of the gardening method in one book. I used this method for a year or so, and had great success with it. There is a great site for all of the information, which you might want to check out before buying the book. Happy gardening! http://www.squarefootgardening.com/
Reply:The Vegetable Gardener's Bible, by Edward C. Smith. It deals with vegetables, but most of the information can be used for any type of garden. You can get it at Amazon.com, and right now it's on sale.


http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1580172...
Reply:Start small. Do not overwhelm yourself with a new hobby. Buy a garden bench, a bird bath, then work the back bone of your 'outdoor room'. Gauge the amount of sunlight, or shade. You mention moss, hmmm, leave some, and work around it. Sounds shady, and there is a world of possibilities out there. There are ornamental under story trees of small stature, and don't forget to add some potted plants. Don't ignore annuals for tucking into small places. You can learn more from garden catalogs too. Visit your local garden centers. For success look at native plants as well.Our local university has an arboretum, greenhouses, and gardens. There is always someone about to answer your questions. Look into joining a local garden club. You have a wonderful area to work with. I am in the south, and summers a challenge, but well worth the beauty of the effort. Happy gardening!!!
Reply:Definitely "Square Foot Gardening" and also get "Carrots Love Tomatoes". An excellent book on companion planting. If your soil is crap don't plant in it. Plant on top of it!
Reply:well, one good plant is amerath. but for books, go to a bookstore. henry's garden is a show that does that type of stuff. or try plowing it with a couple of friends.