![]() ![]() Wooden boxes are lovely, but large mounds or swales are easier and work just as well. Bringing in good quality soil will give the gardener greater control over the growing conditions. Use raised beds to grow more sensitive flowers, herbs, and veggies.Compost can be added on top of the soil, around your plants, each year to fertilize and build soil. This will also prevent nutrient runoff into the ocean. Use only low analysis fertilizers (ones with smaller numbers for N-P-K) and slow release fertilizer. Avoid high analysis fertilizer which will add even more salt to your soil. ![]() Windbreaks are one of the best ways to protect your coastal garden. If you create living windbreaks, be sure to use only highly salt tolerant plants to create the windbreak as they will be exposed to large amounts of salt spray and wind. These can be living hedges or structures. Create windbreaks around the perimeter of your garden to protect the plants inside from salt spray and drying wind.Water deeply with fresh water to flush the accumulated salt from the surface layers of soil.Gypsum may also be added to sandy soil to improve its nutrient holding capacity without affecting the pH. Amend sandy soil with LOTS of compost at the time of planting to improve its nutrient and water holding capacity.Follow these guidelines when gardening near the coast: While proper plant choice is essential to a successful coastal garden, proper care is equally important. Lush coastal landscapes can help reduce erosion, mitigate storm damage, provide food and habitat for wildlife, and filter water before it gets to the ocean. With more people making homes along the Gulf Coast, it is increasingly important that we maintain vibrant, healthy landscapes near the water. ![]() Coastal gardens are particularly challenging due to salt spray in the air, salt in the groundwater, sandy soil with poor water and nutrient holding ability, as well as intense heat and windy weather. The more challenging the environment, the more important the proper plant section becomes. Picking the right plant for the right place is the cornerstone of successful gardening. ![]()
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