Starting a Garden: Picking the Perfect Spot

1. Understanding Your Garden’s Sunlight Needs

Sunlight is one of the most crucial elements for a successful garden. Knowing how much light your garden gets and which plants match those conditions can significantly impact your yields and plant health.

A. How to Assess Sunlight in Your Yard

1. Observe Sun Patterns Throughout the Day:

• Morning Observation: Check which areas get soft, morning light—ideal for leafy greens and herbs.

• Midday Observation: Identify spaces with full, direct sunlight—perfect for fruiting vegetables like tomatoes and peppers.

• Afternoon Observation: Note shaded spots from trees or buildings—best for shade-loving plants like ferns or hostas.

2. Use a Sunlight Meter for Accuracy:
A sunlight meter provides exact readings of how much light a spot receives. Place the meter in your garden area and leave it for a full day to measure total light exposure.

• Recommended Tools:

  • Sonkir 3-in-1 Soil, Light, and pH Meter (affordable and beginner-friendly)

  • Dr. Meter Sunlight Meter (accurate and ideal for advanced gardeners)

B. Understanding Plant Light Requirements

Matching plants to the right sunlight conditions ensures healthy growth and better yields. Here’s a breakdown of common sunlight requirements:

Tip: Fruiting and flowering plants typically need full sun, while leafy greens and root crops can thrive in partial sun.

C. Tips for Optimizing Sunlight in Your Garden

• Trim Overhanging Trees: Regularly prune trees or large shrubs that block sunlight from your garden beds.

• Use Reflective Surfaces: Place white stones, aluminum panels, or mirrors near shaded areas to bounce extra light onto your plants.

• Elevate Containers: Use raised beds or containers to move plants into sunnier spots if your garden is heavily shaded.

• Rotate Plants Seasonally: Take advantage of changing sun angles throughout the year by moving container-grown plants.

D. Adapting to Changing Seasons

• Spring: Longer daylight hours begin—ideal time to start cool-season crops like peas and lettuce.

• Summer: Full sun is strongest—focus on heat-loving plants like tomatoes, peppers, and sunflowers.

• Fall: Sunlight fades—transition to shorter-day crops like kale, spinach, and radishes.

• Winter (if applicable): If you garden indoors or in a greenhouse, supplement with grow lights to maintain plant health.

2. Choosing a Spot with Good Soil: Build a Strong Foundation for Your Garden

Healthy soil is the backbone of a thriving garden. Rich, well-draining soil supplies essential nutrients, retains moisture, and supports robust root systems. Here’s how to assess and improve your garden soil for optimal plant growth.

A. Testing Your Soil Quality

Regular soil testing helps you understand your soil’s composition and identify necessary improvements.

1. Use Soil Testing Kits:

• Test your soil’s pH, nutrient levels, and texture with a home testing kit such as the Luster Leaf Rapitest Soil Test Kit (available on Amazon).

• Many test kits include readings for nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K)—key nutrients for plant health.

• Digital meters, like the Sonkir Soil pH and Moisture Meter, are convenient for quick readings.

2. Perform a DIY Soil Texture Test:

• Squeeze Test: Take a handful of moist soil and squeeze it:

  • Loamy Soil (Ideal): Forms a soft ball that crumbles easily.

  • Sandy Soil: Falls apart immediately, indicating fast drainage but poor water retention.

  • Clay Soil: Feels sticky and molds tightly, meaning poor drainage.

3. Check Soil Drainage:

• Drainage Test: Dig a hole about 12 inches deep, fill it with water, and let it drain. Refill the hole and time how long it takes to drain completely:

  • 1–3 Hours: Ideal drainage.

  • Less than 1 Hour: Soil drains too fast (sandy).

  • More than 3 Hours: Poor drainage (clay-heavy soil).

B. Improving Soil Quality for Healthy Plants

If your soil test results are less than ideal, here are effective ways to enrich it:

1. Add Organic Compost:

• Mix homemade compost or store-bought options like Black Gold Organic Compost into your garden beds to improve nutrient content and moisture retention.

• Compost also introduces beneficial microbes that support plant growth.

2. Use Mulch for Moisture and Temperature Control:

• Apply a 2–3 inch layer of organic mulch (e.g., shredded leaves, straw, or wood chips) around plants to:

  • Reduce evaporation.

  • Suppress weeds.

  • Regulate soil temperature.

• Affiliate Tip: A mulching fork or garden rake (such as the Fiskars Garden Rake, available on Amazon) makes spreading mulch easy and efficient.

3. Build Raised Beds for Poor Soil Areas:

• If your yard has heavy clay or very sandy soil, raised garden beds are a great solution. They provide better drainage and control over soil quality.

• Fill raised beds with a 50/50 blend of topsoil and compost.

• Popular options: Greenes Cedar Raised Garden Bed (Etsy) or Vego Garden Metal Beds (Amazon).

4. Use Cover Crops for Long-Term Soil Health:

• Plant cover crops like clover, rye, or vetch in the off-season to:

  • Improve soil fertility by fixing nitrogen.

  • Prevent erosion.

  • Boost organic matter when tilled into the soil.

C. Matching Soil Types to the Right Plants

If amending your soil fully isn’t possible, choose plants suited to your existing soil type:

• Sandy Soil: Grow drought-tolerant crops like carrots, radishes, and lavender.

• Clay Soil: Plant moisture-loving vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, and asters.

• Loamy Soil: Ideal for most vegetables, fruits, and flowers due to its perfect balance of drainage and moisture retention.

💡 Expert Tip for Beginners: Start with a raised bed garden if you’re unsure about your soil. It’s easier to manage and a perfect solution for small spaces or urban gardening.

3. Accessibility to Water Sources: Efficient Watering for a Thriving Garden

A garden’s proximity to a reliable water source is vital for plant health and maintenance. Choosing a spot near water access saves time and effort, especially during hot or dry periods. Here’s how to plan for efficient watering and make the most of your water resources.

A. Irrigation Options for Easy Watering

1. Garden Hoses and Extensions:

• Ensure your garden is within reach of a hose to make regular watering quick and convenient.

• Use hose reels to keep hoses organized and prevent kinks.

• For larger gardens, consider hose extensions or expandable hoses for maximum reach.

Recommended Product: Flexzilla 50-ft Garden Hose – Lightweight and Kink-Free

2. Drip Irrigation Systems:

• Best for conserving water and delivering moisture directly to plant roots.

• Reduces evaporation, which is especially important in hot climates.

• Easy to automate with timers for consistent watering.

Recommended Product: Raindrip Drip Irrigation Kit – Ideal for Raised Beds and Vegetable Gardens

3. Rain Barrels for Water Collection:

• A sustainable, eco-friendly way to collect and reuse rainwater.

• Provides plants with soft, chemical-free water.

• Place barrels under gutters to maximize water collection.

Recommended Product: FCMP Outdoor 50-Gallon Rain Barrel – Durable and Easy to Use

B. Smart Watering Schedule Tips

• Water Early in the Morning: Reduces evaporation and helps prevent fungal diseases.

• Water Deeply and Less Frequently: Promotes deep root growth.

• Adjust with Weather Conditions: Skip watering if rain is forecast.

C. Monitor Soil Moisture for Healthy Plants

Using a soil moisture meter ensures you water only when necessary, preventing both overwatering and underwatering.

Recommended Product: XLUX Soil Moisture Meter – Accurate and Easy to Use

D. Pro Tip: Automate with Timers for Consistent Watering

Automating your irrigation system with timers can save time and ensure your plants are watered consistently, even when you’re away.

Recommended Product: Orbit Hose Timer – Programmable and Simple to Use

4. Protecting Your Garden from Wind and Extreme Weather

Strong winds and harsh weather conditions can damage plants, erode soil, and reduce crop yields. Protecting your garden from these elements is essential for maintaining healthy, productive plants. This guide explains how to shield your garden from wind and extreme weather with effective strategies and recommended tools.

A. The Impact of Wind and Extreme Weather on Gardens

• Plant Damage: Strong winds can break stems, tear leaves, and uproot young plants.

• Soil Erosion: Wind can strip away the topsoil, removing essential nutrients.

• Moisture Loss: Wind accelerates evaporation, drying out soil and plants quickly.

• Pollination Problems: Excessive wind can disrupt pollination by scattering pollen too quickly.

B. Effective Wind Protection Ideas for Your Garden

1. Natural Windbreaks: The Best Long-Term Solution

• How they help: Tall shrubs, trees, and hedges slow down wind and create a microclimate with more stable temperatures and moisture levels.

• Best Plants for Windbreaks:

  • Arborvitae: Dense, evergreen, and fast-growing.

  • Privet Hedges: Easy to maintain and quick to grow.

  • Bamboo: Ideal for creating fast-growing natural screens.

• Planting Tip: Stagger the plants to create a layered effect, which is more effective at reducing wind speed than a single row.

Recommended Product: Arborvitae Emerald Green – Live Plants, Ready to Plant

2. Installing Windbreak Fences: A Quick and Reliable Barrier

• Why fences work: A solid or semi-permeable fence reduces wind speed without causing turbulence.

• Best Types of Fences for Wind Protection:

  • Wooden Slat Fences: Provide wind protection while allowing some airflow to prevent turbulence.

  • Woven Willow or Bamboo Screens: Natural, eco-friendly, and visually appealing.

  • Mesh Windbreak Netting: A cost-effective solution for large gardens or open spaces.

• Installation Tip: Position the fence on the side facing the prevailing wind and ensure it is at least as tall as the plants you want to protect.

Recommended Product: Amagabeli Garden Windbreak Netting – UV-Resistant, Durable Mesh

3. Using Row Covers and Plant Cloches: Protection for Individual Plants

• How they work: Row covers shield plants from wind, pests, and sudden temperature drops while allowing light, water, and air to reach the plants.

• Best for: Seedlings, tender vegetables, and small flowering plants.

• Types of Row Covers:

  • Floating Row Covers: Lightweight fabric that rests on plants without crushing them.

  • Hoop Covers: Supported by hoops, creating a mini greenhouse effect.

• Pro Tip: Secure covers with garden staples to prevent them from blowing away.

Recommended Product: Agfabric Floating Row Cover – Reusable, UV-Protected, All-Season Protection

C. Additional Tips for Protecting Against Extreme Weather

1. Mulching to Prevent Soil Erosion and Retain Moisture

• Why mulch matters: Mulch anchors soil during high winds and retains moisture during hot, dry periods.

• Best Mulch Types for Windy Gardens:

  • Straw Mulch: Light but effective; cover it with a mesh net to prevent it from blowing away.

  • Bark Mulch: Heavier and more wind-resistant.

  • Cocoa Hull Mulch: Smells pleasant and is wind-resistant.

• Application Tip: Spread a 2-3 inch layer around your plants to insulate the soil and prevent erosion.

Recommended Product: EZ-Straw Seeding Mulch with Tackifier – Biodegradable and Wind-Resistant

2. Staking and Supporting Vulnerable Plants

• Why it’s essential: Wind can topple tall or top-heavy plants like tomatoes, sunflowers, and beans.

• Best Support Options:

  • Tomato Cages: Ideal for supporting tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants.

  • Bamboo Stakes: Natural and sturdy, perfect for beans and peas.

  • Plant Clips: Help secure stems to stakes without damaging them.

• Pro Tip: Use soft ties to prevent stem damage from rubbing against stakes.

Recommended Product: VIVOSUN Plant Support Stakes – Durable Bamboo, Ideal for Vegetables

3. Creating Windbreak Zones with Raised Beds and Walls

• How it helps: Raised beds with solid sides can serve as low wind barriers, protecting smaller plants from ground-level wind.

• Best Materials for Wind-Resistant Raised Beds:

  • Stone or Brick: Heavy and durable, offering long-term protection.

  • Wood with Reinforced Corners: Sturdy and natural-looking.

• Pro Tip: Arrange multiple raised beds to create a series of windbreak corridors in larger gardens.

Recommended Product: Greenes Fence Cedar Raised Garden Bed – Easy to Assemble, Long-Lasting

D. Preparing for Severe Weather Events

• Before a Storm: Secure row covers, stake tall plants, and move containers to sheltered areas.

• During a Heatwave: Use shade cloths to prevent heat stress and ensure deep watering in the early morning.

• After a Windstorm: Inspect plants for damage, trim broken branches, and reapply mulch if needed.

Recommended Tool: E.share Garden Shade Cloth – UV-Resistant, Lightweight Protection

Expert Takeaway:

• For large gardens: Use a combination of natural windbreaks and fences.

• For individual plants: Protect with row covers and secure vulnerable plants with stakes.

• For long-term resilience: Improve soil structure with mulch and raised beds.

5. Other Factors to Consider When Choosing a Garden Spot

Selecting the right garden location involves more than just sunlight and soil quality. Several practical and aesthetic factors can influence your garden’s success and your enjoyment of it. Here’s what you should consider:

A. Traffic and Accessibility: Make Maintenance Easy

• Proximity to Your Home: Place your garden close enough to your house or a pathway to make watering, weeding, and harvesting convenient. A garden that’s out of sight often becomes out of mind.

• Accessibility for Tools: Ensure the area has easy access for garden tools, wheelbarrows, and hoses.

• Pathways: Create clear pathways with gravel, stepping stones, or mulch to prevent soil compaction around plants.

Pro Tip: Position your garden where you naturally pass by every day—near a kitchen door for easy herb harvesting or alongside a patio for quick vegetable picking.

B. Pets and Wildlife: Protect Your Plants

• Pets: If you have pets, choose a location outside their usual play area to avoid digging or trampling. Raised beds or low fences can help keep pets out.

• Wildlife: In areas with deer, rabbits, or groundhogs, consider protective measures such as fences or netting.

• Birds: While birds can be helpful for pest control, they can also eat seedlings and fruits. Use bird netting or companion planting to reduce damage.

Recommended Product: GardenCraft Welded Wire Fence – Rust-Resistant, Perfect for Animal Protection

C. Visibility and Aesthetics: Enjoy Your Garden Daily

• Choose a Visible Spot: A garden should be a joy to look at. Place it where you can enjoy its beauty from a window, porch, or patio.

• Incorporate Garden Borders: Edging with bricks, stones, or wooden planks can create a polished look.

• Add Color and Texture: Combine flowers, herbs, and vegetables for a vibrant, attractive display.

Pro Tip: Consider the garden’s appearance throughout the year. Mix annuals with perennials for color in every season.

D. Drainage and Elevation: Prevent Water Problems

• Avoid Low-Lying Areas: Water tends to pool in low spots, which can cause root rot. If your yard has poor drainage, raised beds are an excellent solution.

• Check for Natural Slopes: Slight slopes can improve drainage, but steep slopes may cause erosion. Terracing can help manage this issue.

Recommended Product: Greenes Fence Raised Bed Garden Kit – Cedar Wood, Easy Assembly

E. Noise and Environmental Factors:

• Noise: Gardens can be peaceful retreats, but placing them near a busy road can be noisy. Hedges or fences can act as sound barriers.

• Air Quality: If possible, avoid areas near exhaust vents or heavily trafficked roads, as pollution can affect plant growth.

• Wind Protection: Wind can dry out plants and damage delicate crops. Use natural windbreaks or row covers.

Recommended Product: Agfabric Floating Row Covers – UV-Resistant, All-Season Protection

F. Proximity to Water Source: Convenience for Irrigation

• Watering Convenience: Ensure your garden is near a water source. A hose extension or drip irrigation system will make watering easier and more efficient.

• Collect Rainwater: Use rain barrels to capture water for eco-friendly irrigation.

Recommended Product: Raindrip Drip Irrigation Kit – Easy to Install, Perfect for Vegetable Gardens

G. Sun and Shade Balance: Adapt to Microclimates

• Observe Microclimates: Fences, walls, and trees create microclimates that can be warmer, cooler, or wind-protected. Use these to your advantage by planting accordingly.

• Partial Shade Areas: Use shady spots for heat-sensitive plants like lettuce and spinach.

Recommended Product: Sonkir Sunlight Meter – Accurate Sunlight Tracking for Ideal Plant Placement

H. Product Recommendations for Setting Up Your Garden Location

• Soil Test Kits: Test your soil’s fertility with Luster Leaf Rapitest Soil Test Kit or Sonkir Soil pH Meter.

• Sunlight Meters: Ensure proper lighting with Sonkir Sunlight Meter or Dr. Meter Light Meter.

• Irrigation Kits: Automate watering with the Raindrip Drip Irrigation Kit.

• Raised Bed Kits: Improve soil quality with the Greenes Fence Raised Bed Garden Kit.

• Wind Protection Covers: Protect plants with Agfabric Floating Row Covers.

• Animal Barriers: Shield your garden with the GardenCraft Welded Wire Fence.

Expert Takeaway:

When choosing your garden spot, balance practical needs like water access and protection from pets with aesthetic considerations like visibility and design. Investing in quality tools and protective measures from the start will ensure a thriving, beautiful garden and long-term success.

6. Planning for Expansion: Leave Room to Grow

A well-planned garden allows you to expand easily as your skills and interests grow. Whether you want to add more vegetable beds, containers, or trellises for climbing plants, leaving room for future growth will save time and effort later. Here’s how to design a garden with expansion in mind:

A. Design for Future Raised Beds and Containers

• Space for Additional Beds: If you start with a single raised bed, plan the layout to add more beds in the future. A modular layout, such as a grid or L-shape, is ideal for easy expansion.

• Container Zones: Containers are perfect for small expansions, adding flexibility for crops like herbs, strawberries, or flowers. Allocate space for large containers or vertical towers.

• Modular Raised Beds: Choose raised bed kits that can be expanded or stacked. Look for interlocking designs to simplify future expansions.

Recommended Product: Greenes Fence Cedar Raised Garden Bed Kit – Modular and Expandable

B. Leave Room for Vertical Gardening

Vertical gardening is a space-efficient way to grow more plants without expanding horizontally. Plan ahead for structures like:

• Trellises: Perfect for vining crops like cucumbers, peas, and beans.

• Arbors or Pergolas: Beautiful and functional, ideal for climbing flowers like roses or morning glories.

• Vertical Wall Planters: Great for herbs, strawberries, or small vegetables on patios or balconies.

Pro Tip: Place trellises on the north side of garden beds to avoid shading smaller plants.

Recommended Product: KOGEN Garden Trellis – Heavy-Duty Metal Frame for Climbing Vegetables

C. Pathways: Maintain Access and Prevent Soil Compaction

• Path Width: Leave at least 18–24 inches between beds for easy access with tools like wheelbarrows or garden carts.

• Material Choices: Use gravel, mulch, or stepping stones for pathways. Gravel drains well, and mulch prevents weeds.

• Permanent Paths: If you plan to expand, design permanent paths that won't interfere with future beds.

Pro Tip: Add landscape fabric under pathways to suppress weeds and reduce maintenance.

Recommended Product: VIVOSUN Garden Landscape Fabric – Heavy-Duty Weed Barrier

D. Plan for Garden Infrastructure

As your garden expands, consider these essential infrastructure elements:

• Irrigation System: Install a drip irrigation system that can be easily extended as you add new beds.

• Composting Area: Dedicate space for compost bins to produce organic fertilizer for your growing garden.

• Tool Storage: Place a small shed or storage box nearby for easy access to garden tools and supplies.

Recommended Product: Raindrip Drip Irrigation Kit – Easily Expandable for Large Gardens

E. Companion Planting for Long-Term Growth

Plan for companion planting, which improves plant health and maximizes space:

• Three Sisters Method: Plant corn, beans, and squash together. Corn provides support for beans, while squash shades the soil to reduce weeds.

• Herb Borders: Surround vegetable beds with herbs like basil and marigolds to repel pests.

F. Start Small, but Plan Big

• Zoning Approach: Divide your garden into zones (e.g., vegetables, herbs, pollinator flowers) with room for expansion.

• Seasonal Rotation: Leave space for crop rotation to maintain soil health and reduce disease risk.

• Scalable Design: Choose a symmetrical or modular layout (e.g., square foot gardening) that can easily be extended.

G. Recommended Products for Future Garden Expansion:

• Modular Raised Beds: Greenes Fence Cedar Raised Bed Kit – Expandable Design

• Vertical Supports: KOGEN Garden Trellis – Sturdy, Rust-Resistant

• Pathway Essentials: VIVOSUN Garden Landscape Fabric – Durable Weed Barrier

• Expandable Irrigation: Raindrip Drip Irrigation Kit – Customizable and Scalable

• Compost Bins: FCMP Outdoor Tumbling Composter – Dual Chamber for Continuous Composting

Expert Takeaway:

Designing your garden with future expansion in mind saves time, money, and effort down the line. By incorporating modular beds, vertical structures, wide pathways, and scalable irrigation systems, you’ll create a flexible garden space that grows with you. Whether you’re adding new vegetable varieties or creating a pollinator-friendly flower zone, planning ahead ensures your garden will flourish for years to come.

7. Environmental Considerations for Your Garden Location

When selecting the perfect spot for your garden, it's important to take the surrounding environment into account. Environmental factors such as sun exposure, soil drainage, and terrain type can significantly influence plant health and growth. Here's how to address some common environmental considerations to ensure the long-term success of your garden.

A. Sun Reflection and Heat Intensification

While sunlight is essential for plant growth, excessive heat and light reflection can stress plants and reduce yields.

• Avoid Reflective Surfaces: Placing your garden near reflective surfaces, like white walls, glass windows, or metal fences, can cause intense sunlight to bounce onto your plants, leading to heat stress and sunburn. Choose locations with natural shade or areas that aren't too close to reflective surfaces.

• Use Shade Structures: If necessary, consider installing shade cloth or planting tall shrubs to shield your garden from excessive heat. This will help prevent plant damage and maintain consistent growth.

Recommended Product: Gardener's Supply Company Shade Cloth – Protects Plants from Excessive Heat

B. Sloped Areas and Water Management

Planting on slopes can create several challenges, including water runoff and soil erosion. However, with the right techniques, these issues can be managed effectively.

• Water Runoff Concerns: Steeply sloped areas tend to have faster water drainage, which can wash away soil and nutrients. Additionally, water runoff can cause uneven irrigation and lead to patchy growth.

• Terracing Solutions: To address this, consider terracing your garden. This technique involves creating leveled steps or raised beds along the slope, which helps slow down water runoff, improves soil retention, and provides a more stable environment for plant roots.

• Erosion Control: Mulch, ground covers, and erosion control fabrics can further stabilize the soil, preventing it from washing away during heavy rainfall.

Recommended Product: Erosion Control Fabric by Dewitt – Effective for Sloped Areas
Recommended Product: Raised Bed Garden Kit – Ideal for Sloped Terrain

C. Ensuring Proper Drainage

Standing water can be detrimental to most plants, leading to root rot, fungal diseases, and poor plant growth. Ensuring good drainage is crucial to maintaining a healthy garden.

• Avoid Low-Lying Areas: Steer clear of areas that collect water after rainfall, as these spots can cause root rot and waterlogging, particularly for plants sensitive to excess moisture.

• Raised Beds for Better Drainage: If you're dealing with clay-heavy or compacted soils, raised beds can improve drainage by allowing water to flow freely through the soil.

• Amending Soil: If raised beds aren't an option, amending your garden soil with organic matter like compost or peat moss can help improve its structure, enhancing its ability to drain water effectively.

Recommended Product: Gardener's Supply Company Raised Bed Kit – Ideal for Better Drainage
Recommended Product: Black Gold Natural and Organic Compost – Boosts Drainage and Soil Health

D. Wind Protection and Shelter

In addition to sun and water considerations, wind exposure can also affect the health of your garden. Strong winds can damage delicate plants, dry out the soil quickly, and disrupt pollination.

• Natural Windbreaks: Planting rows of tall shrubs, trees, or hedges along the perimeter of your garden can act as an effective wind barrier. Varieties like arborvitae or privet hedge are popular choices that provide both protection and aesthetic value.

• Use of Fences: Wooden or mesh fences can also offer wind protection, but make sure they aren't too tall to block sunlight from reaching your plants. A fence with some gaps is often ideal for letting in just the right amount of breeze and sunlight.

Recommended Product: KOGEN Garden Trellis – A Sturdy and Elegant Wind Barrier

Expert Takeaway:

Considering environmental factors such as heat reflection, slope, drainage, and wind protection is essential when selecting a location for your garden. By addressing these challenges with proper planning and techniques such as terracing, strategic shading, and soil amendments, you can create a thriving garden that supports healthy plant growth. For difficult terrain or drainage issues, consider using raised beds and erosion control methods to improve overall soil health and water management.

Conclusion: Setting Up Your Ideal Garden Space

Selecting the perfect garden location involves a mix of observation, planning, and patience. By carefully assessing sunlight, soil quality, water access, and environmental factors, you can set up a garden that’s primed for growth and success. Remember to keep the needs of your chosen plants in mind and make adjustments as necessary. With a well-chosen spot, your garden will become a vibrant, productive space that brings joy for years to come. Happy gardening!