Are you new to this area or new to gardening? The information below will help you get off to a good start.
Have A New Home?

Call Before You Dig
Choose the Right Plants
Throughout Western Washington, varied topography gives rise to many microclimates — areas where local conditions may differ from those of the surrounding climate zone. WSU publication FS181E, “How to Determine Your Garden Microclimate,” is available free at pubs.extension.wsu.edu and can help gardeners understand their unique growing conditions.
Pay Attention to Sun and Shade
- Sun: at least 5 to 6 hours of direct sunlight each day during the growing season
- Partial shade: 2 to 4 hours of sun a day
- Shade: only filtered light for the entire day
Sun-loving plants may survive in shade but won’t prosper or bloom well. Shade-loving plants in sun will probably sunburn and may die.
For a more detailed glossary of sun, shade and other gardening terms, see Great Plant Picks website: www.greatplantpicks.org/resources/glossary. The Great Plant Picks site is also an excellent for source for plant recommendations that do well in the Pacific Northwest.
Think Long Term
Select Short Season Vegetable Varieties
Proper Planting
Watering and Mulching
The objective of good irrigation is to apply water carefully and slowly so that it wets the entire root zone. Quick, light sprinkling will not do the job. Frequent, shallow watering leads to shallow roots, and shallow roots lead to more rapid stress under dry or hot conditions. Water less frequently: once or twice a week but deeper. Take a trowel and dig down several inches and see whether water has penetrated to that level. Try to avoid watering from above the plant: Getting water on the leaves can encourage fungal diseases.
Consider adding mulch to your landscape. Mulch will help retain moisture, control weeds and contribute to healthy soil. WSU recommends arborist wood chips. See WSU publication FS160E, “Using Arborist Wood Chips as Landscape Mulch”, available at pubs.extension.wsu.edu, for more information.
Mowing
Leave clippings on the lawn; they will quickly decompose and add nutrients back into the soil. Consider using a mulching mower to chop up grass clippings before depositing them on the lawn. Contrary to common belief, grass clippings do not cause a buildup of thatch. Avoid weed & feed fertilizers.
Feature image by AnnCa. Detail image by Alex B.
CLH 12/20/19
WSU Extension Master Gardener Program * 206-543-0943 * king.MG@wsu.edu * kingcountyMG.org Center for Urban Horticulture * Box 354115 * Seattle WA 98195-4115 Extension programs and employment are available to all without discrimination. Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through your local Extension office.
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