11 Things You Need to Know About Your Garden Before You Purchase Plants How to get the most out of this cheat sheet Hi there! I'm Cheryl and I believe choosing the right plants for your garden doesn’t have to be difficult. Use this cheat sheet like a decoder ring. It’ll tell you why your garden feels warm and welcoming to some plants and harsh and hostile to others. How to complete the cheat sheet: • Fill out one sheet for each of your garden beds (or parts of your yard), and them put them in your garden journal. • Complete the soil section as best you can if you’ve not had a professional soil test. And if haven’t done a soil test, here’s how to get one! • Note the sun and wind exposure for this garden bed or part of your yard. • Make a note of any animals that visit your garden. The next time you want to purchase a plant check it against the cheat sheet to help guide your decision. Have questions about the cheat sheet? Email me at: [email protected] See you in the garden! Cheryl Simply Smart Gardening © All rights reserved. | Please don’t copy or distribute this without permission. Bed Hardiness zone: Soil Direction Garden bed (name or location): Zones My Garden’s Microclimate Min. temp. in my zone: Heat zone: Orientation (which way does it face?): Slope of terrain: North South East Predominant soil texture: Clay Loam Drainage: Well-drained Pests Climate Soil pH: Acidic Sunlight: Wind: Poor drainage Full sun Part sun Overall windy site Deer Minimal slope Sand Low spots High spots Alkaline Part shade Full shade Windy in isolated sections Precipitation per year (in/cm): Needs to resist: West Rabbits Deep shade Relatively calm Irrigation system Other: Simply Smart Gardening © All rights reserved. | Please don’t copy or distribute this without permission.
