A Ladder Garden - Plant Herbs, Shrubs, or Flowers

A ladder garden is a great way to plant a few varieties of herbs, flowers, shrubs or a little of each. This is a great idea also for a beginner gardener, or someone that has a small space. This article will give you a few easy tips on how to prepare this simple landscape project. There are different options for this type of garden. This is also a great family activity or school project. The entire class or entire family will be working together and learning the process, along with plant identification. The first step like any other garden project, is to plan out the materials needed. A wooden ladder will work great in many different locations. You will need top soil, shovel, rake and I recommend some organic mushroom compost to mix with your top soil. Decide on your location for the confined garden. Many people like to put it in an easy access area, especially if they are doing herbs. I recommend to start out with some basic culinary herbs. They are easy to grow, and will also work well in this confined area. Take a look at the photo page of some popular culinary herbs. Any of these herbs will grow well in many different geographic locations. You can germinate these herbs from seeds, or purchase plants at your local nursery or garden center.

Once you have decided where and what you want to plant in the of garden, the next step is to prepare the soil. Make sure if you can, level the ground as much as possible. Put down the mixture of top soil and mushroom compost. Go ahead and put your ladder down and you are ready to plant. If you are germinating from seed, sprinkle just a few seeds in each square. Three to five seeds will work, so if one or two doesn't germinate properly, you will have some back ups. Three purchased plants per square will work to make each square full.

Another idea is to take different varieties of perennial flowers and plant them in the ladder. You can also consider doing an annual flower garden. One advantage of an annual garden, is you have the option to have different flowers every year. The advantage of a perennial garden, is in the savings of buying plants each year. Here are a few photos of some flowers for you to consider.

Gerber Daisy

Mums

Carnation

Sedum

Another option you have is to plant some dwarf evergreen shrubs in each square. You will have color year around. You can also play with using different color tones to spice up the this type of garden. This is a nice easy landscape project that is also inexpensive. You can take an old ladder or purchase a new one, and create a wonderful confined area to enjoy throughout the growing season or year around.