Source
r/gardening•
alemedo8

7b Novice gardener looking for advice

I'm a relatively new gardener looking for some help and advice. As stated above, I'm in the 7b region, so based off of that:

  • I'm going to be maintaining a garden this spring summer and have been looking for some basic steps for soil prep and maintenance. Basically, what can I do to prep the soil for planting to ensure a healthy, beautiful garden? I'll be planting mostly vegetables in soil that has had fruits and veggies in the past.

  • There will be some smaller/younger trees around the property that I'd love to help out....fertilize or boost nutrients in soil or maintain better...if that even possible? Looking at a small peach tree, 2 smaller dwarf mullberry trees, and a fig tree

  • Within the 7b zone, I'd like to plant a few more fruiting tress or bushes. I'm looking at a Russian Pomegranate bush/tree, maybe another fig tree, and perhaps some native Paw Paws or Mayhaws. Any additional suggestions?

Sorry if this sort of post has been beat to death, I don't normally post here, just lurk mostly, so I'm just diving in. Thank you for anyone who is kind enough to give advice or point me in a good direction!!

Posted Mar 23, 2017, 6:06 PM UTC

13
okrachoke8b East Texas•

Id tried to find the Master Gardeners for your area through a web search or any published info about trees in your area. I know that's helped me greatly. Let me realize that even if I can grow some varieties/fruit doesn't mean I should. Might go a long way in getting good harvests versus no harvests at all. Sometimes you can find fruit tree enthusiast Facebook groups for your area too.

2
hastipuddn•

I'm curious; mulberry, white or purple, is a weed in my area. I made a pie from them once - tasteless. Have your soil tested through your local extension service. The report will tell you what you need to add to your soil for the crops you intend to grow.

1
GrandmaGos Zone 5, Illinois, USA•

They're a weed here, too, and IMO the fruit is strictly for the amusement of children, although some people here swear by them as a "trap crop" for birds--if you're trying to grow cherries, plant a purple mulberry tree next to it, the birds will choose the mulberry.

1