Hello Gary

Welcome to Michigan!

Here are some resources to get you started:

MSU Smart Gardening website

https://www.canr.msu.edu/home_gardening/tip_sheets/

Container gardening

https://healthyfamilyct.cahnr.uconn.edu/2021/05/05/planning-for-a-patio-garden-tips-for-growing-easy-veggies-in-pots/

https://chemung.cce.cornell.edu/resources/container-gardening

Raised bed gardening

https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/starting-a-raised-bed-garden

https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/raised-bed-gardens#raised-ground-beds-881260

https://extension.psu.edu/how-to-construct-a-raised-bed-in-the-garden

Your garden, a guide to starting in a new location:

Have a soil test to determine your soil type and any nutrient needs Purchase a test at MSU your county Extension office or at this link-

https://homesoiltest.msu.edu/get-started

Observe your yard and make notes on how many hours per day of unobstructed sun each area receives/will receive during spring, summer, fall. Consider where shadows fall and what happens when leaves form on trees.

Keep your USDA Plant Hardiness zone in mind when selecting plants- you are in zone 6. Zone 5 is colder in winter and plants hardy to that zone are the best bet to overwinter.

Identify what you already have in your yard. Some plants won’t grow well near walnut and hickory trees. Consider wildlife in your area- do you need plants resistant to deer or rabbits? Take pictures of plants with close-up of a stem with leaves, flowers; you don’t know and attach them to an ‘Ask-an-Expert’ question; we can help ID them.

Decide how much maintenance you are willing to do- plants that require a moist soil may need watering everyday, or plants that require pruning to look good, are two examples.

Finally, decide on what flowering, fruiting, fall color, etc. you want. Always look at mature height and width when considering plant placement- and look up: you want plants to stay well below power lines and away from roof lines and exterior walls.

Use resources like your library( several Michigan Garden books are available) the bi-monthly magazine Michigan Gardener publication, and websites like MSU’s https://www.canr.msu.edu/home_gardening/ which contain plant lists and info on how to grow these plants.

You can call the Michigan Plant and Pest Hotline and speak with gardeners about plant selection and placement.<personal data hidden> The phone line is open M, W,F 9:00- Noon

To get you started here are some links to a planning guide and to plants for USDA Plant hardiness zone 5 and colder-

https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/resources/pdfs/a_guide_for_the_selection_and_use_of_plants_in_the_landscape_(e2941).pdf

https://extension.umn.edu/trees-and-shrubs/choosing-evergreens-your-landscape

https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/native_plants_for_michigan_landscapes_shrubs

https://conservancy.umn.edu/bitstream/handle/11299/51549/08464.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y

https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/when_can_i_plant_check_your_areas_frost_free_date

As you get specific questions on your garden, please open a new question for each topic.( eg. vegetables, trees, flowers, lawns) We have a staff of experts, each with their own area speciality. Good luck with your new garden!