Comments on: How to Design and Prepare a Flower Bed

on 6/30/2006 Lee Valley sells something they call Remember Rings. You just place them in the soil around whatever you have planted, be it seeds or bulbs. I am going to try to make my own by cutting rings off of old, plastic, flower pots. Easy on the wallet and a great way to recycle.

on 3/29/2006 If you have a problem with weeds, simply place old newspapers about 1/4 inch thick on top of you dirt. Wet it down and add mulch (or whatever you prefer). This tip is cheaper than buying the black plastic. I also think it is a lot more fun. Hope you all have a great summer in your garden.

on 11/22/2005 If you live near a cotton gin, they normally will let you have loads of their cotton dirt. It's the best, and anything will grow in it!

on 11/22/2005 If you are experimenting with several different forms of planting (i.e. bulbs, seeds, or small already rooted plants) it can be easy to lose track of where the bulbs are and what seeds you sowed, and where they are sowed. Keep a journal or a sketch, with notes on what is where and when it was put there. I know that I've pulled weeds only to realize later that they were the beginnings of seeds (that I had bought with great excitement but lost track of their placement later). I have also speared or split many a daffodil, tulip, and gladiola bulb with a garden spade while digging holes for some new annual that I couldn't resist and wanted to get in the ground. Since your bulbs will spread, and give you more every year, you really don't want to sacrifice them for some annual that gives you just a few weeks of color. It's a great idea and one that I wish I had thought of before so many of my bulbs and seeds were sacrificed to my ignorance.

on 11/22/2005 If your bed is not too large, you can use a waterhose to form the outline. It is easy to move when changing the shape of your flower bed. Then use flour or spray paint to make a more permanent outline.

on 11/22/2005 Use your garden hose to lay out the garden it flexes easily.