Turning your new home outdoor space into a lush and thriving oasis this spring doesn't have to be a struggle. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, your new construction home offers a blank canvas to express your creativity. Additionally, not only does it enhance your outdoor surroundings but also upgrades your indoor life with what you can collect from your garden. 

Building Your Garden Bed

Depending on the look you are going for will determine what route you take in creating your raised bed. Most home improvement stores have various options for raised beds including build-it yourself wooden beds, metal paneled raised bed, elevated garden carts, or even some go the DIY route. All you need for the DIY route is wooden boards (untreated cedar or redwood are good choices for longevity), screws or nails, a drill/hammer, and a saw only if you need to cut the boards to your desired size. Then it's as easy as building a frame in your desired location. 

Filling Your Garden Bed

Filling a raised garden bed involves adding layers of different materials to create a healthy fertile environment for your plans. Step one once you have your garden bed built is deciding if you want to lay down weed barrier fabric. This is completely optional but could help the look of your garden in the long run. 

1. Base Layer: Add a layer of course material to help with drainage. This can include gravel or rocks. This will help prevent waterlogging which leads to root rot. 
2. Organic Matter: After the rock foundation you will want to add organic matter. You can use compost, leaves, or well-rotted mature. Aim for a layer that is several inches thick. This provides essential nutrients for plant growth. 
3. Incorporate Soil: Next you will want to add a nice layer of quality garden soil. You can also mix in topsoil, compost, and other soil amendments (perlite or vermiculite) to help fill the area and provide better aeration. 
4. Water Thoroughly: Before planting but after you have mixed and leveled your bed, water the bed thoroughly to settle the soil and ensure it's evenly moist. 
5. Mulch (Optional): After planting your flowers or crops, consider adding a layer or mulch to the top of the soil. This will help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. 

Maintaining Your Raised Garden Bed

Like any living thing, your raised garden requires regular care and maintenance to thrive. Watering, fertilizing, weeding, and pruning regularly based on your plants needs and seasonal changes will help them stay strong and progress as the season continues. 

As you celebrate National Gardening Day, take pride in your hard work and if you plan on planting crops, get ready to enjoy the fruits of your labor all season long. However, whether you're cultivating colorful flower beds, planting a vegetable garden, or creating a serene outdoor plant area, gardening is a rewarding journey that allows you to connect with nature and make your new home construction even more personalized to your lifestyle.