10 Crucial Steps Before Starting a Lazy Garden

Written By Tammy Lowe

Introduction: Why Fall Is a Great Time to Start a Garden

Step One: Call Miss Dig Before You Dig

  • Importance: Always call before any digging, planting, or installation.

  • What Miss Dig Does:

    • Contacts several utility companies to mark underground lines.

    • Uses color-coded flags (e.g., yellow for gas, orange for telephone).

    • It’s a free service, but requires advance notice (a few weeks).

  • Examples from the property:

    • Telephone line marked by orange flags.

    • Gas line marked by yellow flags and signs.

Step Two: Identify and Respect Utility and Septic Locations

  • Know your structures:

    • Septic tank location (longer grass indicates it).

    • Leach field area—avoid planting or digging there.

    • Use the area for grass, play space, or shallow-rooted flowers.

  • How to find your septic:

    • Contact your county public health department for septic maps.

    • Use a rebar probe gently to locate shallow systems.

  • Avoid planting food or deep-rooted plants over the septic.

  • Access for maintenance: Leave space for septic pump trucks.

Step Three: Plan Fencing Wisely

  • Start with temporary fencing to test placement before committing.

  • Use T-posts (two feet in the ground) and plan gate access carefully.

    • Large gate for lawnmowers/wheelbarrows.

    • Small gate for pets and people.

  • Avoid fencing yourself in: Ensure multiple access points.

  • Think about equipment access for future maintenance.

Step Four: Observe Tree Roots and Sun Patterns

  • Tree root zones: Extend to the tips of branches—avoid heavy digging.

  • Sunlight analysis:

    • South side = most winter sun.

    • Summer = sun overhead, more hours of direct light.

    • East/west sides = morning/evening shade.

  • Determine sunlight hours: Aim for 6–8 hours for fruiting plants.

    • Leafy crops can tolerate less (4–6 hours).

  • Example: Rose of Sharon and shrub rose suffering in shade—plan to move to sunnier spot in spring.

Step Five: Consider Proximity to Roads

  • Busy roads mean:

    • Salt spray and gravel damage.

    • Exhaust pollution.

    • Snowplow debris up to 10–15 feet in.

  • Solution: Avoid planting edible or delicate plants near the road.

  • Alternative: Use hardy, deer-resistant, and salt-tolerant plants (e.g., yucca, evergreens, Japanese maple).

Step Six: Think About Drainage and Safety

  • Ditch areas: Keep them clear for proper water flow.

  • Avoid gardening too close to the road—drivers may veer toward what they’re looking at.

  • Be aware of tree health and necessary pruning for safety and tree vigor.

Step Seven: Avoid Planting Under the Eaves

  • Why:

    • No rain or sun under eaves → poor plant growth.

    • Extra watering near foundation causes erosion and damage.

  • Better approach:

    • Plant at least 3–4 feet away from the house.

    • Maintain access for utility and maintenance workers.

    • Use mulch, gravel, or pavers near the house for tidy pathways.

Step Eight: Plan for Sustainable, Low-Maintenance Design

  • Lazy gardening principles:

    • Design it right the first time to reduce work later.

    • Create accessible paths and well-planned gates.

    • Choose plant locations suited to their sun and soil needs.

Step Nine: Know Your Soil and Site Conditions

  • Example: Sandy soil common at the tip of the thumb (Michigan).

    • Not ideal for all plants—many require richer soil.

  • Check for moss: Indicates shade and moisture.

    • Avoid planting sun-loving crops in those areas.

    • Shade-tolerant crops: herbs, chives, peas, brassicas.

Step Ten: Prepare for Wildlife and Critters

  • Identify animal activity:

    • Look for tracks and dug holes (e.g., skunks, chipmunks, squirrels).

    • Observe patterns and take photos for ID.

  • Prevention and deterrence:

    • Use fencing or barriers for pets and crops.

    • Plant smelly plants (garlic, allium) along borders to deter deer.

    • Choose deer-resistant flowers (irises, lilies, allium).

Step Eleven: Build Beds

  • Process used for No-Dig Beds:

    • Lay cardboard, add compost, plant, mulch and water.

  • Advantages:

    • Avoids disturbing soil layers or damaging underground structures.

    • Good for sandy soils or new plots.

Step Twelve: Final Tips and Safety Reminders

  • Keep Miss Dig flags in place all winter for reference.

  • Don’t plant or build until you know where utilities run.

  • Think ahead: plan for ease of access, maintenance, and future changes.

    Lazy gardening = smart, sustainable, safe gardening.

Tammy Lowe
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