I dug this two shovels wide and plan on planting vines to climb up the fence the length of the porch. I thought I might put some low growing flowers in front of the vines. Do you think I might need to dig another two shovels wide to have room for the root systems of the plants. Is that too many plants for the space that I have already dug? I can go ahead and plant the seeds for the vines and then dig one or two shovels wider for the lower plants? I can't decide. dooley
If those vines usually get bare at the bottom, you should have enough room for small flowers in front. Don't you think the roots will grow underneath the grass? If I were you, I'd dig wider, since our grass grows so fast I'd want a buffer zone between the plants and the lawn.
Well my motto is - when in doubt compromise. So I'd make the border three spades wide that way you'll have more than enough space for small plants.
I have a chain link fence that I have a 2 foot wide strip dug up for Morning Glories. That is enough room for the vines and a little row of annuals.
I amn not clear if you mean to plant permanent or annual vines. If they are permanent--some like say, a Clematis, then you'll be good because the roots are deep and so if you then planted something like alyssum or impatiens (who have relatively shallow roots by comparison)in front, it should work well. The root systems take nutrition from different levels. Let me konw what types of vines you are thinking of, because it will determine a number of things, not the least of which is lower stem protection from the sun's rays. Good luck though. ...oh!--To answer your question:I would make it one spade length wider.
From the sounds of those answers you need to get out your shovel. I think onee more shovel wide would be better also. I like impatients because they spread out and are so colorful. Wannabe
Guess I will get out my shovel. It should be easier digging since we had a little rain yesterday. I think it was yesterday. I do have to get some seeds planted first though. I have to soak the morning glory seeds too. They germinate easier if you soak them in warm water first. I have morning glories, hyacinth beans, sweet peas, cardinal vine, and some pole beans. Not sure if I'll use all of them. Do those climbing nastursium rally climb or do they just train over banks and stuff? dooley
The last time I had nasturtiums out back, it climbed on the hedge, but I have a feeling it might need some help if you want it climbing in designated places.
Today, I took my shovel and dug along the two shovels wide bed. I still have to pull the grass out of it and add the compost. I have it started but my knees gave out so it's done for today. I have planted the morning glories and sweet peas along the base of the porch. Right next to the posts I put some dianthus. I have to go back and water everything soon. The lettuce and spinach are doing well and need watering, too. In the herb pot, I have basil, lavender, chives and maybe lemon balm. Only the rosemary has no sign of plants coming and those seeds were not so fresh. I'll post a picture of the 4 shovels wide bed when I get it finished. The morning glories may be up by then. Soaking them broke the cases and some has little sprouts peeping out. dooley
Dooley, I don't know how well the nastursiums climb, but the Texas heat will melt them come June or July and then you will be left will bare spaces.
I didn't put the nastursiums in the long bed. There is a swing set in the front yard. dr is going to take the swings off of it and I'll dig under it and plant more vines there. Or melons or something. I can string cord across from the braces and then up to the top bar for things to climb. Or put some chicken wire across it, I got some tomato seeds and pepper seeds planted in peat pots and put into the greenhouse thingie this afternoon. dooley
