What is a Backyard?

  A rear garden is a type of outdoor space with greenery, flowers and vegetables located at the rear of a residential house. It differs from other types of residential gardens, such as those found in the front of a house or on the sides of it, only by its location. A lawn, rock planters, plant containers or trees, as well as flower or vegetable beds, can be part of a backyard garden.

The size of a backyard varies greatly depending on the property. Smaller gardens may have only a small area of ​​grass, while larger backyards may have large expanses of grass. Flower beds and rock garden sections can border a grassy backyard and form a feature near the centre.

Flower bed borders are often rectangular and located along a property line in a backyard, such as one marked by a fence. They may have rocks, bricks, or other materials for their borders, but rock gardens typically feature less soil and more stones, boulders, or even pebbles around the plants.

In desert locations where grass is not popular as it remains brown and dry most of the time, backyard rock gardens are much more common and cover a larger area that can also be combined with paving.

type of backyard garden

Cacti and other desert flowering plants can be part of this type of backyard garden. Backyard gardens in many areas and climates often feature walking steps in flower beds to avoid trampling plants. In addition to rock, brick or cement, steps can also be made of resin.

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display of landscaping

Many backyards not only serve as a display of landscaping but are used by the families who live in the homes. The backyard space can include a trampoline, basketball hoop, or pool, as well as space for the family dog ​​to run. Back gardens are usually adjacent to a patio or decking area at the back of the house. The back door of the house usually leads to the patio or deck, then to the backyard. It is common for people to have chairs, a dining table, and an outdoor barbecue on the outside deck or patio overlooking the backyard.

 Back gardens are not always at the level of the house. They can be tilted down or up. Water features, such as ponds or fountains, can be part of a backyard. Some homeowners like to accentuate the garden with bird baths or statues, while others prefer a simpler look.

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Helpful Tips for Designing a Backyard Garden

Many people have very beautiful gardens in front of their homes but have forgotten the backyard. The truth is that you can achieve an interesting landscape in your yard as long as you take into account some basic gardening issues. The first thing we need to know is that soil conditions must be improved before planting any species. We dig the soil to the depth required by each species and add compost and fertilizer. We mix everything and then add a little sand. Finally, we add a top layer of soil.

Most species of flowers and shrubs have special requirements for the amount of sunlight they need per day to thrive. However, some species also need moments of shade. A good idea is to plant against a wall or under a tree so that the cultivated species can have shade and lighting during the day. Regarding sunlight, it is important to grow deciduous trees. In this way, during the summer, we can enjoy abundant shade, and in the cold seasons, we will have the radiant sun that gives us a little heat.

Finally, a very important tip refers to the drainage system in the soil. Most plants can suffer serious problems if their roots become drowned. When the soil is very wet, the roots of the plants are deprived of oxygen. A sandy soil can be a good option for the drainage system to work perfectly.

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What Are Some Backyard Design Ideas?

Backyard design ideas should not only suit the exterior appearance of the house but also create a usable yard space for residents. No matter how big a backyard is, it can at least provide a nice place to sit outside. If plant boxes and a garden are added, flowers or vegetables can be part of many backyard design ideas.

An organized look with yard space divided into zones or zones works even for small backyards. For example, if the yard has only a small porch and a limited area of ​​grass, separate areas for seating and lawn can be created to give the outdoor space function and form. The small section of lawn can look more interesting if it is framed by attractive landscaping. For example, rather than planting shrubs, flowers and small trees directly along fences or property borders, one of the most attractive backyard design ideas for a small yard is to group the plants in tasteful displays at fence corners.

For larger backyards, simple patches of grass can seem unimaginative. A tasteful fountain or birdbath can break up the space in an attractive way. A stepping stone path lined with flowers could create a pleasant path leading from the back door steps to a garage or doorway. When planning backyard design ideas, it is important to think about safety and maintenance issues. For example, a pond could make a striking focal point for a backyard, but it is not an appropriate choice if small children can access it; ponds also require a lot of maintenance to keep them attractive.

Backyard design ideas for gardens should include plants that are easy to care for and thrive in a particular geographic area. Speaking with local nurseries can help find the best shrubs, trees and flowers to plant. Attractive planters for growing potted vegetables or flowers can be placed in a row around a patio edge to create a finished look on a deck.

An outdoor table and chair set is essential for usable backyard design ideas because it allows space to relax and enjoy the yard. Outdoor table sets are also popular for outdoor entertaining and barbecue meals. A good design idea for a backyard barbecue and dining area is to include a small, closed-door, weather-resistant cabinet for storage. The extra storage eliminates the need to go inside the home for items such as dishes, utensils and towels.

Choosing a plot

A common mistake among novice and experienced gardeners is planting more than they can care for. A successful garden plot does not need to be large. A small, well-maintained garden will grow as much or more produce than a larger one that the owner cannot manage well.

Backyard gardeners should choose a sunny location where water is readily available. Most vegetables grow best with plenty of sun. If this is not the case, your garden should have at least 6 hours of sun a day.

Try to select a location with good, substantial terrain. Good garden soil is deep, loose, fertile, has good drainage, is rich in organic material and has a neutral pH. The ideal composition of the organic matter of a garden plot is approximately 5% organic matter, 25% water, 25% air, and 45% mineral matter. If you are planting a garden in a desert area with naturally infertile soil, work to improve the soil.

Prepare your land

Although organic material only makes up 5% of the “ideal formula” for good growing soil, directly applying organic matter to your soil can make a big difference.

Almost all soils, whether clay, sandy or humus, benefit from the addition of organic matter. Spread a layer of organic matter 5 to 7 centimetres thick on the surface of the soil and incorporate it 15 to 18 centimetres deep. Organic matter breaks down the clay allowing air and water circulation, and helps maintain water in sandy soils. Good sources of organic matter include straw, firewood sticks, leaves, bog moss, sawdust, grass clippings, and compost.

Organic matter will reduce nitrogen as it decays. Add nitrogen fertilizer to the organic matter to aid the decomposition process. This addition of nitrogen is not intended to aid future plant growth but rather to act as an aid to decomposition. More nitrogen fertilizer will be required when you begin planting. You will want to allocate one pound of ammonia sulfate, 2/3 pound of ammonium nitrate, or ½ pound of urea for every inch of organic matter placed on 30 square meters of land. As a warning, if you are using well-rotted compost as organic matter, reduce the amount of nitrogen fertilizer you apply by half.…

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What Are Some Backyard Design Ideas?

Backyard design ideas should not only suit the exterior appearance of the house but also create a usable yard space for residents. No matter how big a backyard is, it can at least provide a nice place to sit outside. If plant boxes and a garden are added, flowers or vegetables can be part of many backyard design ideas.

An organized look with yard space divided into zones or zones works even for small backyards. For example, if the yard has only a small porch and a limited area of ​​grass, separate areas for seating and lawn can be created to give the outdoor space function and form. The small section of lawn can look more interesting if it is framed by attractive landscaping. For example, rather than planting shrubs, flowers and small trees directly along fences or property borders, one of the most attractive backyard design ideas for a small yard is to group the plants in tasteful displays at fence corners.

For larger backyards, simple patches of grass can seem unimaginative. A tasteful fountain or birdbath can break up the space in an attractive way. A stepping stone path lined with flowers could create a pleasant path leading from the back door steps to a garage or doorway. When planning backyard design ideas, it is important to think about safety and maintenance issues. For example, a pond could make a striking focal point for a backyard, but it is not an appropriate choice if small children can access it; ponds also require a lot of maintenance to keep them attractive.

Backyard design ideas for gardens should include plants that are easy to care for and thrive in a particular geographic area. Speaking with local nurseries can help find the best shrubs, trees and flowers to plant. Attractive planters for growing potted vegetables or flowers can be placed in a row around a patio edge to create a finished look on a deck.

 An outdoor table and chair set is essential for usable backyard design ideas because it allows space to relax and enjoy the yard. Outdoor table sets are also popular for outdoor entertaining and barbecue meals. A good design idea for a backyard barbecue and dining area is to include a small, closed-door, weather-resistant cabinet for storage. The extra storage eliminates the need to go inside the home for items such as dishes, utensils and towels.

Choosing a plot

A common mistake among novice and experienced gardeners is planting more than they can care for. A successful garden plot does not need to be large. A small, well-maintained garden will grow as much or more produce than a larger one that the owner cannot manage well.

Backyard gardeners should choose a sunny location where water is readily available. Most vegetables grow best with plenty of sun. If this is not the case, your garden should have at least 6 hours of sun a day.

Try to select a location with good, substantial terrain. Good garden soil is deep, loose, fertile, has good drainage, is rich in organic material and has a neutral pH. The ideal composition of the organic matter of a garden plot is approximately 5% organic matter, 25% water, 25% air, and 45% mineral matter. If you are planting a garden in a desert area with naturally infertile soil, work to improve the soil.

Prepare your land

Although organic material only makes up 5% of the “ideal formula” for good growing soil, directly applying organic matter to your soil can make a big difference.

Almost all soils, whether clay, sandy or humus, benefit from the addition of organic matter. Spread a layer of organic matter 5 to 7 centimetres thick on the surface of the soil and incorporate it 15 to 18 centimetres deep. Organic matter breaks down the clay allowing air and water circulation, and helps maintain water in sandy soils. Good sources of organic matter include straw, firewood sticks, leaves, bog moss, sawdust, grass clippings, and compost.

Organic matter will reduce nitrogen as it decays. Add nitrogen fertilizer to the organic matter to aid the decomposition process. This addition of nitrogen is not intended to aid future plant growth but rather to act as an aid to decomposition. More nitrogen fertilizer will be required when you begin planting. You will want to allocate one pound of ammonia sulfate, 2/3 pound of ammonium nitrate, or ½ pound of urea for every inch of organic matter placed on 30 square meters of land. As a warning, if you are using well-rotted compost as organic matter, reduce the amount of nitrogen fertilizer you apply by half.…

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Creating a Backyard Plant

Planning

Have you considered what you want to grow and the season? Do you want vegetables, herbs or flowers? If you want to grow vegetables or herbs, identify which vegetables you and your family want to eat. Certain vegetables grow in different seasons; the same goes for flowers. Start small until you know what you want and what you will get. Check out this link to decide what to plant: Florida Gardening Calendar.

Location

Choosing the right location for your garden is an important decision. Vegetables and flowers need about six to eight hours of full sun per day. That being said, look at your yard throughout the day to see which area has the most sun exposure. If your garden has more shade, some plants enjoy the shade more than the sun.

Clean the floor

It’s time to get your hands dirty! Cleaning the soil is an important part of your garden. You should cut and turn the grass with a concave shovel. Once this step is completed, either re-seed the grass elsewhere or place it in your compost pile to break it down.

Improve the soil

Vegetables and flowers grow best in fertilized soil. In new gardens, the topsoil can wear away or erode. Residential flooring generally needs reinforcement. Your soil could be too wet, infertile, or too acidic. To help with this problem, add a two- to three-inch layer of compost consisting of decomposed leaves, dried grass clippings, or old manure to the soil. To learn more about your soil, you can have a soil test done at your local extension office. This will tell you exactly what you need to make your soil fertile.

Work the ground.

Now that the soil has been improved let’s get to work! Preparing the soil for planting will facilitate the insertion of the roots into the ground. Additionally, it facilitates plants’ access to nutrients and water so they can grow. There are two ways to work the soil: tilling and digging. Tillage is the process of cultivating soil with a rototiller, a mechanical tool. However, the rototiller has more potential drawbacks than benefits. Microorganisms and earthworms may be disturbed by it. Over-tilling the soil can harm plant roots and the soil’s structure, or it can make the soil too wet or dry. Digging is a more practical method of preparing small bases than the first one.

How to Select Plants

Now for the exciting part! The selection of your plants comes next. Make sure the plants you choose are appropriate for the amount of sun your garden will receive as well as your climate. Here is a list of options and a guide to help you choose: The Vegetable Guide for Florida.

Planting

Keep in mind that different seasons are ideal for different plants to grow. For instance, kale and miltonia prefer cool temperatures, but tomatoes prefer warm temperatures. Certain plants, like sunflowers and lettuce, do best when grown from seed. To increase your chances of success, always research the plant you plan to plant.

 Hydrating

Giving your plants enough water is essential, and watering is a must. Although you should water your plants less frequently as they grow, seedlings should never be left dry. Consideration should be given to both the amount of rainfall and humidity in a given week when watering.

Protection

Apply mulch to your garden to keep weeds out! Mulch will aid in preserving moisture and stop the germination of weed seeds. Mulches come in a lot of different varieties to help keep your garden safe.

Take Care

You’ve arrived at the last stage! It’s crucial to continue watering your plants, pulling weeds, and fertilizing the soil now that your garden should be flourishing.

Following all of your hard work in designing, getting ready, and planting your garden, you’ll soon.

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