How to Start a Garden in Your Lawn: Expert Tips for Southern Wisconsin Homeowners

Are you ready to transform your ordinary lawn into a vibrant, productive garden? At Malterer's Landscaping & Lawncare, we’ve helped homeowners across Southern Wisconsin create flourishing gardens right in their backyards. Whether you're envisioning fresh vegetables, stunning flowers, or a relaxing retreat, our simple step-by-step guide will help you start your garden confidently and successfully.

Step 1: Selecting the Ideal Location

Sunlight Matters:

Most garden plants need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Spend a day noting where sunlight hits your yard and choose your garden space accordingly.

Easy Water Access:

Place your garden close to a water source. Wisconsin summers can get dry, so regular watering will be essential for healthy plants.

Step 2: Plan Your Garden Size and Layout

Start Manageable:

A garden sized around 10x10 or 15x15 feet is perfect for beginners, giving you room to grow without being overwhelming.

Map It Out:

Sketch a simple layout, considering plant spacing, mature sizes, and easy walking access.

Malterer's Tip:

Raised beds or defined planting rows help improve drainage and make gardening easier, especially with our region’s mixed soils.

Step 3: Preparing Your Lawn for a Garden Bed

Grass Removal:

You can remove existing sod by:

Renting a sod cutter for instant results.

Sheet mulching: Layer cardboard or newspaper topped with compost and mulch, allowing it to naturally break down over a few months.

Improve Your Soil:

Southern Wisconsin soils often require enrichment. Mix compost or organic matter (composted manure, garden compost, or leaf mold) into the top 6-8 inches of soil for best results.

A soil test through UW-Extension can provide additional insight on nutrient levels.

Step 4: Choosing Plants Suitable for Southern Wisconsin

Choose plants that thrive in our region’s growing conditions and climate. Southern Wisconsin typically has a growing season from late April to early October, with possible frost in May and September.

Top Vegetables:

Tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, lettuce, carrots, green beans, zucchini, squash.

Reliable Flowers:

Coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, hostas, daylilies, marigolds, and native wildflowers.

Popular Herbs:

Basil, dill, parsley, oregano, thyme.

Malterer's Tip:

Beginners should start with easy-to-grow plants like green beans, tomatoes, or herbs, which adapt easily to our climate.

Step 5: Add Mulch for Moisture and Protection

Using mulch in your garden beds will:

Help retain soil moisture and reduce watering needs.

Prevent weed growth.

Protect plant roots from Wisconsin’s temperature swings.

Good mulching options include shredded bark, straw, or grass clippings.

Step 6: Regular Maintenance for Garden Success

A thriving garden requires ongoing care:

Water regularly, aiming for 1 inch per week (increase during hot spells).

Remove weeds frequently to ensure plants have enough nutrients.

Feed plants occasionally with organic fertilizers or compost to replenish nutrients.

Monitor pests closely, addressing any issues promptly.

Malterer's Landscaping Can Help You Start Your Garden!

Not sure you have the time or tools to get started on your own? Malterer's Landscaping & Lawncare provides comprehensive garden preparation and installation services in Southern Wisconsin, including soil preparation, raised bed construction, sod removal, and ongoing maintenance support.

Let our experienced team simplify your gardening journey!

Why Choose Malterer's Landscaping & Lawncare?

🌱 Local Expertise: Deep understanding of Southern Wisconsin’s unique climate and soil conditions.

🛠️ Full-Service Landscaping: Complete garden and lawn solutions in one place.

📅 Dependable and Professional: Friendly, reliable service dedicated to your satisfaction.

Take the first step toward a beautiful garden today with Malterer's Landscaping & Lawncare—turning lawns into lush landscapes throughout Southern Wisconsin!